Renowned and abundant economist historian, Professor Peter Temin, passes away at the age of 87.
Peter Temin: A Pioneer in Modern Economic History
Peter Temin, the MIT Elisha Gray II Professor of Economics (emeritus), passed away on Aug. 4 at the age of 87. A preeminent economic historian, Temin left an indelible mark on the field with his rigorous integration of economic theory and historical analysis.
Born in Philadelphia in 1937, Temin received his BA from Swarthmore College in 1959 and his PhD in Economics from MIT in 1964. His academic journey began during a time when the field of economic history was undergoing a significant reorientation, with Paul Samuelson and Robert Solow leading the charge towards a more quantitative, mathematically rigorous discipline.
Temin's contributions to economic history were vast and diverse. He is perhaps best known for his work on the Great Depression, challenging prevailing views by emphasizing roles beyond monetary policy, such as the gold standard and consumer spending decline. This reinterpretation reshaped economists' understanding of the crisis and monetary policy's role in downturns.
In addition to his work on the Great Depression, Temin made significant contributions to understanding the economic drivers and dynamics of the British Industrial Revolution and the Roman economy. His research advanced knowledge about the nature of ancient economies, notably the Roman one. Later in his career, he expanded into areas such as antitrust, healthcare, and social problems, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach.
Throughout his career, Temin authored 17 books and edited six, making important contributions to an incredibly diverse set of topics. As a teacher, he was described as a dedicated educator and a wonderful colleague. Jonathan Gruber, Ford Professor and chair of the Department of Economics, remembered Temin as a great scholar, a great teacher, and a dedicated public goods provider.
Temin's impact on the field extends beyond deep reinterpretations of historical economic events. He modernized economic history by systematically applying economic theory and data analysis, influencing both historians and economists alike. His work as president of the Economic History Association (1995-1996) and the Eastern Economic Association (2001-2002) further solidified his standing within the academic community.
In 2001, Temin was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, a testament to his continued dedication to research and scholarship. After his retirement in 2009, he remained an active researcher, focusing on the contemporary American economy and its deep-seated divisions.
Temin was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Temin, a psychologist and educator, and his daughter, Melanie Temin Mendez. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Elizabeth "Liz" Temin and three grandsons, Colin and Zachary Gibbons and Elijah Mendez.
Peter Temin's scholarly legacy continues to shape economic history research, leaving a lasting impact on the field. His innovative approach to integrating economic theory and historical analysis stands as a testament to his vision and dedication to academia.
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