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The choice architect’s trilemma
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Mills, Christopher E. (2017) The choice architect’s trilemma. Res Publica, 24 . pp. 395-414. doi:10.1007/s11158-017-9363-4 ISSN 1572-8692.
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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11158-017-9363-4
Abstract
Critics have long dismissed paternalistic choice architecture as conceptually muddled at best and oxymoronic at worst. In this article, I argue that this criticism remains true despite recent replies to the contrary. Further, I suggest that a similar conceptual criticism also applies to non-paternalistic choice architecture. This is due to a three-way tension between the effectiveness, avoidability, and distinctiveness of each nudge. To illustrate this tension, I provide a novel explanation of the mechanics of nudging and a taxonomy of these interventions. I then argue that choice architects who defend the distinctiveness of nudging according to
how it guides our behaviour via our unreflective intuitive reasoning encounter a trilemma because the distinctiveness of nudging hinges on interventions being both avoidable and effective. Choice architects cannot achieve this aim without harnessing both our automatic and reflective systems of thought in tandem. However, this diminishes the distinctive character of nudging by bringing it closer to other traditional policy interventions. This establishes the choice architect’s trilemma: a nudge is likely to be either ineffective, effective via some morally unacceptable means, or effective in a manner that is conceptually indistinct from other evidence-based policy interventions.
Item Type: | Journal Article | ||||||
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Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform | ||||||
Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Law | ||||||
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Social policy, Cognitive psychology, Policy sciences, Paternalism, Decision making -- Social aspects, Economics -- Psychological aspects, Taxation, Fines (Penalties) | ||||||
Journal or Publication Title: | Res Publica | ||||||
Publisher: | Springer Netherlands | ||||||
ISSN: | 1572-8692 | ||||||
Official Date: | 9 August 2017 | ||||||
Dates: |
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Volume: | 24 | ||||||
Page Range: | pp. 395-414 | ||||||
DOI: | 10.1007/s11158-017-9363-4 | ||||||
Status: | Peer Reviewed | ||||||
Publication Status: | Published | ||||||
Access rights to Published version: | Open Access (Creative Commons) | ||||||
Date of first compliant deposit: | 11 August 2017 | ||||||
Date of first compliant Open Access: | 14 August 2017 |
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