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How autonomy is understood in discussions on the ethics of nudging

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  • VUGTS, ANASTASIA
  • VAN DEN HOVEN, MARIËTTE
  • DE VET, EMELY
  • VERWEIJ, MARCEL

Abstract

Nudging is considered a promising approach for behavioural change. At the same time, nudging has raised ethical concerns, specifically in relation to the impact of nudges on autonomous choice. A complexity is that in this debate authors may appeal to different understandings or dimensions of autonomy. Clarifying the different conceptualisations of autonomy in ethical debates around nudging would help to advance our understanding of the ethics of nudging. A literature review of these considerations was conducted in order to identify and differentiate between the conceptualisations of autonomy. In 33 articles on the ethics of nudging, we identified 280 autonomy considerations, which we labelled with 790 unique autonomy codes and grouped under 61 unique super-codes. Finally, we formulated three general conceptualisations of autonomy. Freedom of choice refers to the availability of options and the environment in which individuals have to make choices. Agency involves an individual's capacity to deliberate and determine what to choose. Self-constitution relates to someone's identity and self-chosen goals. In the debate about the ethics of nudging, authors refer to different senses of autonomy. Clarifying these conceptualisations contributes to a better understanding of how nudges can undermine or, on the other hand, strengthen autonomy.

Suggested Citation

  • Vugts, Anastasia & Van Den Hoven, Mariëtte & De Vet, Emely & Verweij, Marcel, 2020. "How autonomy is understood in discussions on the ethics of nudging," Behavioural Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 4(1), pages 108-123, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:bpubpo:v:4:y:2020:i:1:p:108-123_6
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    Cited by:

    1. Vugts, Anastasia & van den Heuvel, Emmy & Havermans, Remco C., 2024. "Factors affecting public acceptance of healthy lifestyle nudges," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 350(C).
    2. Wachner, Jonas & Adriaanse, Marieke & Hoven, Mariette van den & de Ridder, Denise, 2022. "Does default organ donation registration compromise autonomous choice? Public responses to a new donor registration system," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(9), pages 899-905.
    3. L. Lades & F. Nova, 2024. "Ethical Considerations When Using Nudges to Reduce Meat Consumption: an Analysis Through the FORGOOD Ethics Framework," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 47(1), pages 1-19, March.
    4. de Ridder, Denise & Adriaanse, Marieke & van Gestel, Laurens & Wachner, Jonas, 2023. "How does nudging the COVID-19 vaccine play out in people who are in doubt about vaccination?," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).

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