Book part 5

Question 1

Objections against nudging

Answer 1

• Libertarian paternalism
• Slippery slopes towards more intrusive interventions
• Freedom and active choice
• Nudges are manipulative

Question 2

Counterarguments

Answer 2

• Slippery slopes: it’s libertarian, choices of freedom reduce the steepness of the slopes
• It’s meant for the good
• Nudges are inevitable at times
• Freedom and active choice, we should not wish defaults away
• Nudges are not manipulative: reminders for appointments, calories on food packages and allergies mentioned

Question 3

The right to be wrong: it is helpful to make mistakes

Answer 3

Opt-outs protect people’s freedom to make mistakes

Question 4

Publicity and transparency in using nudging

Answer 4

• It steers people’s choices but doesn’t make decisions for them
• We should rely on transparency
• Transparency does not ruin effects, people can still be influenced positively when they know about it

Question 5

Publicity principle

Answer 5

• Choice architects in the private/public sector should adopt a polocy that they would be able to or willing to defend in publix
• The nudge should be ethical and justifiable

Question 6

Asymmetric paternalism

Answer 6

• Nudges that help the least sophisticated people and impose the smallest possible costs on the most sophisticated people
• How it helps the least sophisticated people: Individuals who may not understand the importance of saving for retirement or find the process confusing are automatically enrolled, ensuring they start saving without needing to take action.
• How it imposes minimal costs on the most sophisticated people: People who understand savings and already have a plan can easily opt out or adjust their contributions if the default doesn’t fit their needs.