NEURO-NUDGING AND PREDICTIVE MODELS: ADAPTIVE ETHICS FOR BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE IN A CHANGING WORLD

In an increasingly complex future, the ethical principles underpinning applied behavioural science may become disputed. Broadening thinking to anticipate future challenges can better prepare behavioural science practitioners for possible future shocks. Using a strategic foresight approach, this paper presents four plausible future scenarios that could change the societal and policy landscape within which behavioural science teams operate in the future. Set in 2040, the scenarios explore the interplay between applied behavioural science and individual autonomy in an increasingly automated, digital, and polarised world. We argue that the social license to operate for future behavioural science practitioners relies not only on technical expertise but also on deep ethical discernment. Proactively considering future challenges promotes resilience by encouraging practitioners to reflect on what changes might be needed to ensure success under the broadest range of future possibilities.

LAVERY Trish J.;  VIRGINIA Mahieu;  GREEN Caroline Emmer De Albuquerque;  BOL Erica;  NOHLEN Hannah;  ZAFIROGLU Alex;  PERRIAM Jassamy;  VARAZZANI Chiara; 

2024-11-06

The Behavioral Econcomics Guide 2024

JRC138906

2398-2020 (online),   

https://www.behavioraleconomics.com/be-guide/,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC138906,