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Nudges, boosts, autonomy, time and the quality of life

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  • Henriëtte Prast

    (Tilburg University)

Abstract

This paper discusses the autonomy effects of nudges and boosts. In doing so it distinguishes the three understandings of autonomy that have been mentioned most often the literature on ethics and nudging: agency, freedom of choice, and self-constitution. It also takes the value of time autonomy into account. Time matters in the assessment of nudges and boosts because it is a limited and scarce individual resource and because autonomy in deciding how to spend time increases time quality and wellbeing.as an important scarce resource. The main messages of the paper are that the autonomy implications of nudges and boosts may differ depending on which understanding one is referring to, and that taking account of time autonomy influences the judgment of the implications of nudges and boosts for autonomy.

Suggested Citation

  • Henriëtte Prast, 2025. "Nudges, boosts, autonomy, time and the quality of life," Mind & Society: Cognitive Studies in Economics and Social Sciences, Springer;Fondazione Rosselli, vol. 24(2), pages 773-793, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:minsoc:v:24:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11299-025-00359-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11299-025-00359-4
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