New Delhi – Renowned Israeli-American psychologist Daniel Kahneman, known for his groundbreaking work in behavioral economics, has passed away at the age of 90. Kahneman, a Nobel Prize laureate in economics in 2002, made significant contributions to the field of social sciences by challenging conventional beliefs regarding human decision-making processes.
His influential book “Thinking, Fast and Slow” not only became a bestseller but also played a pivotal role in reshaping how individuals perceive and understand human behavior. By debunking the idea that rational decision-making solely guides human actions, Kahneman shed light on the importance of instinct and intuition in shaping our choices.
During his time at Princeton University, where he was a faculty member since 1993, Kahneman left an indelible mark on the academic community. Colleagues and peers remember him as a giant in his field, with his innovative research reshaping various areas of social sciences.
Born in Tel Aviv in 1934, Kahneman’s early life was marked by upheaval and challenges. Forced to flee France during World War II due to the Nazi invasion, Kahneman’s family faced unimaginable hardships before eventually settling in British-ruled Palestine.
Despite the adversity he faced in his early years, Kahneman went on to pursue higher education in mathematics and psychology at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Later, he obtained a Ph.D. from Berkeley, focusing on a diverse range of subjects, including statistics, visual perception psychology, and group dynamics.
At the age of 27, Kahneman returned to Hebrew University as a professor, forming a legendary partnership with fellow psychologist Amos Tversky. Together, they developed groundbreaking models that exposed the limitations of intuitive reasoning in decision-making processes.
In recognition of his pioneering work, Kahneman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002. His integration of psychological insights into economic theories revolutionized the understanding of human judgment and decision-making, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community and beyond. Kahneman’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of researchers and shape the trajectory of behavioral economics.