| Description |
viii, 195 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm. |
| Series |
Storrs lectures on jurisprudence ; 2012
|
|
Storrs lectures on jurisprudence ; 2012.
|
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 167-186) and index. |
| Summary |
"Based on a series of pathbreaking lectures given at Yale University in 2012, this powerful, thought-provoking work by national best-selling author Cass R. Sunstein combines legal theory with behavioral economics to make a fresh argument about the legitimate scope of government, bearing on obesity, smoking, distracted driving, health care, food safety, and other highly volatile, high-profile public issues. Behavioral economists have established that people often make decisions that run counter to their best interests-producing what Sunstein describes as "behavioral market failures." Sometimes we disregard the long term; sometimes we are unrealistically optimistic; sometimes we do not see what is in front of us. With this evidence in mind, Sunstein argues for a new form of paternalism, one that protects people against serious errors but also recognizes the risk of government overreaching and usually preserves freedom of choice. Against those who reject paternalism of any kind, Sunstein shows that "choice architecture"-government-imposed structures that affect our choices-is inevitable, and hence that a form of paternalism cannot be avoided. He urges that there are profoundly moral reasons to ensure that choice architecture is helpful rather than harmful-and that it makes people's lives better and longer"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Contents |
Introduction: Behaviorally informed paternalism -- Occasions for paternalism -- Paternalist's toolbox -- Paternalism and welfare -- Paternalism and autonomy -- Soft paternalism and its discontents -- Epilogue: Lives we save may be our own. |
| Subject |
Paternalism -- Political aspects -- United States.
|
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Paternalism. |
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United States. |
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Libertarianism -- United States.
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Libertarianism. |
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Consumer behavior -- Political aspects -- United States.
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Consumer behavior. |
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Choice (Psychology) -- Economic aspects -- United States.
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Choice (Psychology) -- Economic aspects. |
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Choice (Psychology) |
| ISBN |
9780300197860 (hardcover) (acid-free paper) |
|
0300197861 (hardcover) (acid-free paper) |
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