First-year common book Nudge causes much debate within the AC Community
Hannah Brencher
Issue date: 10/16/09 Section: Lead Stories
This is the goal in mind when picking the first-year common book, a piece of literature that will stimulate the minds of the incoming undergraduates, preparing them to draw connections in their classes from the start of their college careers.
The common book is determined by a faculty committee. This year Nudge took the forefront after being suggested by Assistant Professor of English, Rachel Ramsey, who received positive feedback of the book from students in one of her literature classes.
As students began reading the first 120 pages over the summer, the faculty committee worked to plan a proper follow-up event.
Apart from past years where the author of the book would make a visit to the college, Dean Morrison expressed the desire to make this year's presentation of the book one where students would not be talked at but would get to see controversy in action, in the form of a debate.
Junior Jon Bishop decided to attend the debate after leading a common book reading of Nudge with the first-years as an orientation leader this summer. "I was interested in seeing the freshmen turn out and gain more of an explanation of the book. I think the professors can offer insights on the positives and negatives of this influential book," said Bishop.
Throughout the book, Thaler and Sunstein argue how "choice architecture" can nudge humans in the right direction without violating the freedom of choice. The faculty participants were vocal in expressing their own views on the concept of nudging.
Supporting the idea that nudges can create a better society, Professor Rao argued that although "nudges are hard, it's hard to come up with a good one that works, but it doesn't mean that we should not try."
Opposing the idea that nudges can formulate a better society, Professor Gendron argued that although nudges may be necessary and desirable, they are not sufficient to deal with the major issues in society such as income, education and health care reform.
The common book is determined by a faculty committee. This year Nudge took the forefront after being suggested by Assistant Professor of English, Rachel Ramsey, who received positive feedback of the book from students in one of her literature classes.
As students began reading the first 120 pages over the summer, the faculty committee worked to plan a proper follow-up event.
Apart from past years where the author of the book would make a visit to the college, Dean Morrison expressed the desire to make this year's presentation of the book one where students would not be talked at but would get to see controversy in action, in the form of a debate.
Junior Jon Bishop decided to attend the debate after leading a common book reading of Nudge with the first-years as an orientation leader this summer. "I was interested in seeing the freshmen turn out and gain more of an explanation of the book. I think the professors can offer insights on the positives and negatives of this influential book," said Bishop.
Throughout the book, Thaler and Sunstein argue how "choice architecture" can nudge humans in the right direction without violating the freedom of choice. The faculty participants were vocal in expressing their own views on the concept of nudging.
Supporting the idea that nudges can create a better society, Professor Rao argued that although "nudges are hard, it's hard to come up with a good one that works, but it doesn't mean that we should not try."
Opposing the idea that nudges can formulate a better society, Professor Gendron argued that although nudges may be necessary and desirable, they are not sufficient to deal with the major issues in society such as income, education and health care reform.
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