Sugden’s critique of Sen’s capability approach and the dangers of libertarian paternalism |
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Authors: | Mozaffar Qizilbash |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Economics and Related Studies & School of Politics, Economics and Philosophy, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK |
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Abstract: | The force of Sugden’s critique of Sen’s capability approach depends on the interpretation of the approach adopted. It is persuasive
when public reasoning about what is good (or best) for people can justify policies which promote opportunity through (potentially
objectionable) restrictions on liberty. Sunstein’s discussion of preference formation and politics shares key elements of
Sen’s views. His proposals for democratic controls illustrate the potential danger Sugden signals about application of the
capability approach. Sugden is also critical of paternalist views inspired by the findings of behavioural economics. One of
these—Sunstein and Thaler’s ‘libertarian paternalism’—is a worrying extension of Sunstein’s earlier views and opens the door
to a much wider range of interventions. Sugden rightly and forcefully resists it. His critique of the capability approach
may, by contrast, be better seen as sounding a cautionary note than as an act of resistance. |
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