The Manipulation of Choice: Ethics and Libertarian Paternalism (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781137287755)

This timely book makes a forceful argument that the analyses from behavioral economists are incomplete, the policies advocated by libertarian paternalists are misguided and unethical, and both actually reinforce the cognitive biases and dysfunctions that motivate 'nudges' in the first place. In a lighthearted manner, the author points out critical flaws in the way economists model decision-making, how behavioral economics failed to correct them, and how they led to the problems with libertarian paternalism and nudges. Sprinkled throughout with anecdotes, examples, and references to a wide range of scholarly literature, this new volume argues against the use of paternalistic nudges by the government and makes a positive case for individual choice and autonomy.

This book is part of White's triptych on individualism and society, which includes The Illusion of Well-Being and The Decline of the Individual.


Author: M. White
ISBN-10: 1137287756
ISBN-13: 9781137287755
Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan
Language: English
Published: 02/04/2013
Pages: 185
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.60w x 0.60d