Mercer Times

Renowned psychologist and Nobel laureate, Daniel Kahneman, passed away at the age of 90 on March 27th, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking research that changed our understanding of human behavior and decision-making.

Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber expressed, "Danny Kahneman changed how we understand rationality and its limits." Kahneman's collaboration with Amos Tversky led to the establishment of behavioral economics, influencing fields such as economics, finance, medicine, law, and politics.

Eldar Shafir, a colleague and friend, described Kahneman as "a giant in the field, a brilliant man, and a great colleague and friend." Reflecting on Kahneman's impact, Shafir noted that "many areas in the social sciences simply have not been the same since he arrived on the scene."

Kahneman's contributions extended beyond academia, as noted by Amaney Jamal, dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. Jamal highlighted Kahneman's dedication to applying his insights to real-world issues, leaving a lasting impact on policy and practice.

Kenneth Norman, a colleague at Princeton, acknowledged Kahneman as "one of the most influential psychologists of the modern era," crediting him with transforming our understanding of thinking and decision-making across various disciplines.

Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, reflected on her long-standing admiration for Kahneman, stating, "Danny made me glad to be a psychologist." She emphasized the profound implications of his research and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside him.

Kahneman's seminal work, including his best-selling book "Thinking, Fast and Slow," delved into the complexities of human cognition, shedding light on the interplay between intuitive and logical thinking processes. His impact extended to the field of policy, as evidenced by the enduring influence of the psychology for policy course he helped design.

Reflecting on his mentorship, Nathan Novemsky, a former student, recalled Kahneman's commitment to scientific rigor and self-doubt, traits that shaped his approach to research and teaching. Kahneman's influence also extended to postdoctoral researchers, such as Talya Miron-Shatz, who emphasized his skepticism and kindness as guiding principles in her own work.

Despite his passing, Kahneman's legacy endures through his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and partner, Barbara Tversky. An on-campus celebration of his life and work is being planned to honor his significant contributions to the field of psychology and beyond.