Nudging Cannot Solve Complex Policy Problems
European Journal of Risk Regulation, 2012
6 Pages
Posted: 23 Jan 2012
Last revised: 10 Apr 2012
Rochester Institute of Technology - Department of Philosophy
Michigan State University - Department of Philosophy
Date Written: December 30, 2011
Abstract
We deepen Adam Burgess’s insight that under current conditions nudging cannot solve complex policy problems reliably and without controversy. We do so by integrating his concerns about nudging into Braden Allenby and Daniel Sarewitz’s three-leveled model of the basic problems technology can address and generate. We use this model to explain why the UK experiment with nudging has revolved around techno-fixes with limited policy potential, and conclude that nudging is best seen as an emerging form of soft law.
Keywords: Nudge, Nudging Policy, Techno-Fix
Suggested Citation:
Suggested Citation
Selinger, Evan and Whyte, Kyle, Nudging Cannot Solve Complex Policy Problems (December 30, 2011). European Journal of Risk Regulation, 2012. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1989466
