Behavioral Economics and Public Policy

Catalog description

This course examines solutions to public policy using behavioral economics, in particular the use of “nudges”. These solutions often cost less, work as or more effectively, and can sometimes be seen as more ethical than traditional market solutions to problems such as fines, taxes and subsidies. The ethics of such policies is discussed. Topics may include how to increase the availability of organs such as kidneys, increase the savings rate of Americans, reducing the negative impacts human have on the environment, and ways to improve health in the United States. Prerequisite: undergraduate business majors must be admitted to degree program.