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Contribution to Book
Four Pillars of Behavioral Paternalism
Nudge Theory in Action (2016)
  • Mario J Rizzo
Abstract
This chapter is an analysis of the four propositions or pillars on which the case for new paternalism rests: 
1. There is a set of general normative criteria for “rational” or welfare-increasing behavior, both with respect to judgment and preferences;
2. Real-world behavior significantly departs from these criteria;
3. Policy makers have the ability to craft policies that move people toward more welfare-enhancing behavior;
4. Policies can be carried out without unacceptably high costs in either welfare or freedom.
In each one of these cases I argue that new paternalism fails.

Keywords
  • welfare standards,
  • biases,
  • knowledge problems
Publication Date
2016
Editor
Sherzod Abdukadirov
Publisher
Palgrave Macmillan
Series
Palgrave Advances in Behavioral Economics
ISBN
978-3-319-31319-1
Citation Information
Mario J Rizzo. "Four Pillars of Behavioral Paternalism" Nudge Theory in Action (2016)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mario_rizzo/39/