Behavioural public policy based on autonomy theory

Activity: Talk or presentation typesOral presentation

Description

This paper presents a frame of analysis for behavioural public policy that is based on autonomy theory rather than on behavioural economics. Autonomy is often relegated to the sidelines in behavioural public policy. It may function as a limit to attempts by the state to nudge or debias consumers. I present a different conception of behavioural public policy that puts autonomy centre stage. Autonomy can function as a foundational value for consumer choice and an ultimate objective of consumer policy. In such a frame of analysis, autonomy theory functions as a normative benchmark against which actual consumer decisions are assessed. Consumer biases are defined relative to autonomy theory rather than rational choice theory. Such a conception of behavioural public policy leads to significant changes (compared to behavioural economics) in terms of what consumer biases are, when they occur, how they are caused and when they warrant regulation.
PeriodSept 2022
Event title1st Annual International Behavioural Public Policy Conference
Event typeConference
LocationLondon, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational