By: Phil soucheray

Phil soucheray — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:19:53 +0000

I have not read the LA Times article, but I’ve read the book “Nudge.” At its core it seems to be a polemic in favor of a clearly defined philosophy of allowing consumers the liberty of making their own choice, while recognizing that how humans choose is influenced by social mores, peer pressure and simply by how a choice is presented. It also argues for the right of institutions to leverage those influences in order to “nudge” people to make better choices. The standard for what constitutes the better choice in most domains is generally determined by the individual, science, economic common sense or an accepted common good. Protection against abuses depends on dissemination of really good information and the power of public relations. The greater the transparency about a choice process, the greater benefit to the institution.

By: David Hoopes

David Hoopes — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:24:52 +0000

Pretty unfair description of Libertarians. Well part of it. People should be free to “make a mess of their lives.” I for one would rather mess up my own life as opposed to having some reporter from the LA Times (or some committee) do it for me. But, do Libertarians argue that anyone can do whatever they want? Or, that individuals can decide for themselves better than the government.

Comments on: Choice Architecture

By: Phil soucheray

By: David Hoopes