OISE remembers 20th Century “Master” Psychologist, Jerome Bruner

One of the most influential psychologists in the field’s history, Jerome Bruner, died earlier this month at the age of 100.  This obituary in the New York Times describes Bruner’s remarkable impact.

Earl Woodruff, chair of OISE’s department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, provides this brief reflection on Professor Bruner and his OISE connections.

"Jacquie Tetroe and I were student editors for OISE’s Interchange journal.  Bruner visited OISE many times over the years. He gave the inaugural address for our then Centre for Applied Cognitive Science when it was created. He was  a guest lecturer with Professor David Olson, our very own cognitive science star, in a couple of courses that I was taking. What an inspiration he was.

He energized a room as soon as  he walked in. He could talk about anything with anyone and they would feel better informed for it. His depth of knowledge seemed matched by his inquisitiveness to learn new things.   In his interview with Jacquie and me, he said he always liked to meet interesting and accomplished people.  He made sure he asked them all, "What is the most important book to read in your area".  Then he would get it and read it.

He was truly one of the most outstanding scholars of the 20th Century."