Towards a behavioral pedagogy of law: Integrating cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, and praxeology into legal education; [Rumo a uma pedagogia comportamental do direito: Integração da psicologia cognitiva, da economia comportamental e da praxeologia na formação jurídica]

Cairo V.R. · Revista Pedagogia Universitaria y Didactica del Derecho (2026) · DOI: 10.5354/0719-5885.2026.82016

Resumen

The study analyzes the incorporation of insights from cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, and the theory of human action into legal education, with the aim of rethinking traditional legal education and strengthening the self-reflection and critical thinking skills of legal practitioners. Using a qualitative approach based on literature review, interdisciplinary analysis, and theoretical triangulation, the study examines the main cognitive biases that influence legal reasoning and the processes of interpretation and application of the law. It is argued that traditional legal education continues to be based on assumptions of full rationality and predominantly dogmatic and normative approaches, without adequately incorporating the cognitive and contextual limitations that influence legal decision-making. In response, a behavioral pedagogy of law is proposed, aimed at integrating tools from cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, and praxeology into curriculum design and legal teaching methodologies. It is concluded that this approach strengthens critical thinking, self-reflection, and legal deliberation, promoting a more reflective, interdisciplinary, and empirically grounded education. Likewise, pedagogical strategies and curricular guidelines are proposed to incorporate behavioral law into contemporary legal education.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos