March 31

Antoine Augustin Cournot (1801–1877) was a pioneering French mathematician, economist, and philosopher whose work laid the foundations for modern game theory and economic analysis. In his groundbreaking book The Mathematical Principles of the Theory of Wealth (1838), he introduced the concept of oligopoly markets and strategic interdependence. Cournot also made significant contributions to probability theory, topology, and descriptive geometry. His philosophical writings explored determinism and methodology, reflecting his belief in a rigorous scientific approach to social phenomena. Serving as a professor at the University of Lyon, he combined teaching with research that influenced both economics and mathematics. Though underappreciated in his lifetime, Cournot's ideas gained recognition in the late 19th and 20th centuries as cornerstones of microeconomics and applied mathematics. His interdisciplinary legacy continues to shape economic thought and mathematical inquiry.

Born in 1921 in Villach, Austria, Paul Watzlawick later moved to the United States where he joined the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto. He co-authored the influential book "Pragmatics of Human Communication," redefining how interpersonal messages are understood. Watzlawick's work on constructivist epistemology and family therapy introduced groundbreaking concepts in psychology. He developed the interactional view of human behavior, emphasizing feedback loops and the systemic nature of relationships. His theories impacted psychotherapy, organizational communication, and media studies. Watzlawick's writing and research remain foundational in modern communication theory. He passed away on March 31, 2007, leaving a profound legacy in social science.