#44: Do Nudges Really Work?

Novum Organum, written in Latin and published in 1620, is a key work by Francis Bacon that critiques traditional deductive reasoning and Aristotelian logic. It proposes a new method of scientific inquiry based on inductive reasoning, emphasizing the importance of empirical observation and experimentation. The book is part of Bacon's larger, unfinished work, Instauratio Magna (The Great Instauration), and it introduces the concept of 'idols' that mislead human reasoning. Bacon's method involves meticulous observation, the removal of biases, and the systematic gathering of data to form conclusions, laying the groundwork for the modern scientific method.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the behavioral insights approach, which uses evidence about human behavior to address practical challenges. It covers the methodology's origins in psychology and behavioral economics, its application through the UK's 'nudge unit,' and its expansion into diverse policy areas. The authors offer guidance on running behavioral projects, discuss ethical implications, and explore the future of this evolving field.