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Nudge—A new and better way to improve health?

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  • Vallgårda, Signild

Abstract

Nudging, or libertarian paternalism, is presented as a new and ethically justified way of improving people's health. It has proved influential and is currently taken up by the governments in the US, the UK and France. One may question the claim that the approach is new, in any case it has many similarities with the idea of “making healthy choices easier”. Whether the approach is better from an ethical perspective depends on the ethical principles one holds. From a paternalistic perspective there could be no objections, but from a libertarian, there are several. Contrary to what the authors state, libertarian paternalism is an oxymoron.

Suggested Citation

  • Vallgårda, Signild, 2012. "Nudge—A new and better way to improve health?," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(2), pages 200-203.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:104:y:2012:i:2:p:200-203
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2011.10.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cass R. Sunstein & Richard H. Thaler, 2003. "Libertarian paternalism is not an oxymoron," Conference Series ; [Proceedings], Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, vol. 48(Jun).
    2. Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein, 2023. "Libertarian paternalism," Chapters, in: Cass R. Sunstein & Lucia A. Reisch (ed.), Research Handbook on Nudges and Society, chapter 1, pages 10-16, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Milio, N., 1976. "A framework for prevention: changing health-damaging to health-generating life patterns," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 66(5), pages 435-439.
    4. Kass, N.E., 2001. "An ethics framework for public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(11), pages 1776-1782.
    5. Veugelers, P.J. & Fitzgerald, A.L., 2005. "Effectiveness of school programs in preventing childhood obesity: A multilevel comparison," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(3), pages 432-435.
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    Cited by:

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