48 pages 1 hour read

Richard H. Thaler, Cass R. Sunstein

Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008

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Essay Topics

1.

What is libertarian paternalism? Is it a contradictory or coherent theory? Why or why not? What are possible criticisms of this idea, and how do Thaler and Sunstein respond? Are these responses adequate? Why or why not?

2.

What is a nudge? In what domain do you think nudges are most effective? Try to think of areas of human behavior not discussed by Thaler and Sunstein. How might nudges usefully be applied? How could you self-apply them in your own life?

3.

In what areas of your life are you the choice architect? Given the power of nudges, what is the responsibility of the choice architect and how could you integrate that into your personal practices (regarding household management, finance, etc.)?