Choice Architecture

The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical background of the psychological insights, and to provide a conceptual framework for policymaking in which Thaler and Sunstein’s proposal could be understood. In the rst chapter, we brie y discuss the two central ideas of Sunstein and Thaler’s Nudge: choice architecture and libertarian paternalism. In the second part, a short introduction is given to the theoretical roots from which the insights in Nudge originate. At the end of that chapter the contemporary dialogue will be discussed. The last chapter reviews practical considerations that should be taken into account by choice archi- tects such as policymakers, and provides a list of ‘tools’ that could be used to improve exist- ing policies.