Legal scholar and author Cass Sunstein discusses judicial minimalism, the ideal size of the Supreme Court, the metaphysics of nudging, James Joyce, and Star Wars. They also talk about Bob Dylan's best album and the benefits of a banned products store.
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Quick takeaways
Societal decisions can be made without committing to a moral foundation, as demonstrated by Cass Sunstein's concept of incompletely theorized agreements.
Approaching legal cases with a minimalistic approach, focusing on questions of jurisdiction and authority, can help resolve complex issues.
Nudges, choice-preserving approaches that gently guide behavior, are effective in influencing choices and navigating human fallibility.
Deep dives
Incompletely Theorized Agreements: Balancing Rights and Morality
Cass Sunstein's legal theory revolves around the concept of incompletely theorized agreements. This means that societal decisions can be made without committing to a particular moral foundation or metaphysical belief. For example, the principle of free speech, such as the clear and present danger test, can be agreed upon by people with different philosophical approaches, like Kantian, Aristotelian, or philosophical indifference. This reflects the idea that societal agreements can be reached without a full consensus on moral foundations.
Judicial Minimalism and the Transgender Bathroom Issue
Cass Sunstein discusses judicial minimalism and its application to the transgender bathroom issue. He suggests approaching the case by considering questions of jurisdiction and authority, rather than getting caught up in larger questions of sexuality. By focusing on the authority of states versus the federal government under the Civil Rights Act, Sunstein argues that a minimalistic approach can help resolve the issue without having to fully elaborate on the meaning of sex equality or individual morality.
Nudging as a Choice-Preserving Approach for Well-being
Cass Sunstein explains the concept of nudging in collaboration with Richard Thaler. Nudges refer to choice-preserving approaches that aim to improve welfare and well-being by providing gentle guidance or influencing behavior without taking away individual freedom. Sunstein highlights the significance of nudges in helping people navigate their choices in the face of human fallibility, providing examples like GPS directions or nutrition labels on food products. Nudges can have a significant impact on behavior and are often more effective than economic incentives or prohibitive measures.
The futility of war in the Star Wars saga
The podcast discusses the idea that the war and fighting in the Star Wars saga ultimately result in futility. The argument is made that if the Jedi simply surrendered in episode one, the outcome would have been better and many lives would have been spared. Additionally, it is pointed out that even at the end of episode six, despite the overthrow of the authoritarian regime, Coruscant still looks impressive, suggesting that resisting the empire may have caused unnecessary problems. Overall, the podcast highlights the contrasting views on the militaristic nature of Star Wars and the potential underlying theme of pacifism.
The balance between libertarian paternalism and personal choice
The podcast delves into the concept of libertarian paternalism and its contrasts with personal choice. It is mentioned that while the idea of libertarian paternalism, which encourages guiding people towards certain choices while still preserving their freedom, has gained attention, it is essential to maintain a balance between nudging and personal autonomy. The speaker emphasizes that individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices, and that this principle should be upheld in both a market society and through democratic controls on government nudging. The podcast explores the potential risks and benefits of nudging and highlights the importance of an experimental attitude when it comes to decision-making.
Cass Sunstein joins Tyler Cowen for a conversation on judicial minimalism, Bob Dylan’s best album, the metaphysics of nudging, Byatt's Possession, the ideal size of the Supreme Court, Hayek, why people should choose their own path, the benefits of a banned products store, James Joyce, and, oh yeah, Star Wars.