### 날짜 : 2024-03-25 14:45 ### 주제 : Libertarian Paternalism #economics ---- "Libertarian paternalism" is a term that encapsulates a core idea in the application of behavioral economics to public policy. Coined by Cass Sunstein and Richard H. Thaler, it refers to a set of policy interventions that steer people in particular directions, but which also allow them to go their own way. Here are the two key components of libertarian paternalism: 1. **Libertarian**: This aspect respects the freedom of choice of individuals. Under libertarian paternalism, no options are taken off the table, and no significant economic incentives are applied to push people into one choice or another. Essentially, the approach preserves the individual's right to choose. 2. **Paternalism**: The paternalistic aspect is about designing choices in a way that "nudges" individuals towards making decisions that are believed to improve their health, wealth, and well-being. The nudge typically aims to correct for cognitive biases and irrational behaviors that can lead people to make sub-optimal choices. Libertarian paternalism is about creating a choice architecture that intentionally biases towards the “better” choice as defined by what people would choose if they had perfect information, unlimited cognitive abilities, and no lack of self-control. Thaler and Sunstein argue that in many situations, it's necessary to have some kind of choice architecture, so it’s unreasonable not to design it in a way that helps people make better decisions, as judged by themselves. ### Examples of Libertarian Paternalism - **Retirement Savings**: One of the most frequently cited examples is the automatic enrollment feature in savings programs. Under such a system, employees might be automatically enrolled in a pension plan at a certain default contribution rate, but they retain the freedom to opt-out or to change the contribution rate. - **Health Choices**: In cafeterias, placing healthier foods at eye-level on the counter so that they are more likely to be chosen, while still providing the full range of food choices; people are free to choose less healthy options, but the nudge encourages a healthier diet. ### Ethical Considerations Libertarian paternalism attempts to strike a balance between two important values: the welfare of individuals and their freedom. While nudges based on this approach are intended for the benefit of the individuals being nudged, they also raise important ethical questions about autonomy and paternalism. Critics argue that nudges can be manipulative or infantilize individuals by suggesting they cannot make good decisions on their own. Because of this, proponents of nudges often emphasize the importance of transparency and suggest only employing nudges that most people would find acceptable or agreeable if they were made aware of them. Furthermore, determining what qualifies as a "better" decision is also subject to debate, as it requires a value judgement about what is in an individual's best interest. Despite these challenges, libertarian paternalism has been embraced in various policy-making arenas around the world, influencing decisions in fields ranging from health care and finance to environmental policy and education. It offers a novel way of thinking about policy that respects individual freedom while recognizing the practical challenges individuals face in making complex decisions.