From Libertarian Paternalism to AI-Powered Nudging: New Challenges for Freedom

The talk will explore the evolution of Libertarian Paternalism (LP) and its impact on individual freedom, particularly in light of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven nudging. LP, popularized by Thaler and Sunstein, aims to steer choices while preserving decision-making freedom. However, as AI technologies evolve, their ability to subtly influence behaviour raises ethical concerns regarding personal autonomy and external control.

AI-powered nudging can be highly effective, utilizing big data to predict and shape human behaviour. While these tools may improve overall welfare, they also risk limiting personal freedom through advanced manipulative techniques. This discussion will address critical questions:

• Are we still making free choices when guided by algorithms?
• How can we ensure that AI-driven nudging respects individual autonomy?

Opening and moderating: prof. dr hab. Agnieszka Słomka-Gołębiowska

Keynote speaker:

prof. Sergio Beraldo – Professor of Economics at the University of Napoli Federico II. He got an MSc in Public Economics at the University of York (UK) and a PhD in Economics at the University of Napoli. He investigates issues traditionally in the domain of Public and Behavioural economics, as well as issues concerning the economic theory of social institutions. He is research fellow at the Institute for Research in Economics and Fiscal Issues (IREF, Paris) and at the Centre for Studies in Economics and Finance (University of Napoli, Bocconi University, University of Salerno).

Discussants:

• dr Marek Lusztyn – Chief Risk Officer, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at mBank S.A., member of Commerzbank AG Group, with nearly 30 years of experience in banking. He has served as CRO and CEO at Bank Pekao S.A. and held global risk management roles at UniCredit Group. He has been a board member at SGH and is currently an Assistant Professor at SGH’s Banking Institute. He holds a PhD in Economics (SGH), an Executive MBA (University of Illinois), and is an alumnus of INSEAD, Stanford, and IMD. In 2014, he was named a Future Leader in global finance by the Institute of International Finance.
• prof. Pierre Garello – Professor of Economics at Aix-Marseille University and member of the Aix-Marseille School of Economics. He is President of the Institute of Economic Studies-Europe and editor of Journal des Economistes et des Etudes Humaines and Journal des Libertés. He is a scientific board member at IREF and MPS. His research focuses on taxation, public finance, decision theory, and law & regulation from an Austrian economics perspective. He directs the Law and Economics Erasmus+ Master Program at Aix-Marseille University. He holds a PhD from New York University and has lectured worldwide.
• prof. dr hab. Agnieszka Słomka-Gołębiowska, SGH Warsaw School of Economics
  Agnieszka Słomka-Gołębiowska is a Professor at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics with research focus on governance and sustainability. She holds PhD in Economics and MSc. in Finance and Banking from the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. She is an author of numerous articles in JCR journals, books as well as a speaker at business and academic conferences. Currently, she is a Chairwoman of mBank as well as Board Member in Grupa Pracuj and CDProjekt. She holds seat at the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance, assisting the European Commission on Sustainable Finance Framework, as well as Chair of the Advisory Board of Sustainable Investment Forum Poland (POLSIF) and scientific board member at IREF.

Partners: SKN Political Economy Society, IREF, Department of International Comparative Studies, SGH.