Nudge Economics as Libertarian Paternalism

Given the growing prominence of nudge economics both within and beyond academy, it is a timely moment to reassess philosophical political arguments that sit at its core, in particular what Richard Thaler Cass Sunstein call libertarian paternalism. The first half this paper provides detailed account main features form paternalism, before moving, second half, critical evaluation agenda questions, among other things, gendered basis paternalistic governance; idea ‘nudging for good’; values underpin nudge. final section builds on existing work John McMahon by asking whether paternalism should be understood as new, hybrid neoliberalism, or, rather, post-neoliberal governance has emerged out of, flourished in, post-crisis situation.