Nassau William Senior English economist Date of Birth: 26.09.1790 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Nassau William Senior
2. Career as a Professor and Researcher
3. Contributions and Travels
4. Nassau William Senior passed away on June 4, 1864, in Kensington.

Biography of Nassau William Senior

Nassau William Senior was an English economist who was born in Compton, Berkshire, as the eldest son of Reverend JR Senior. He received his education at Eton and Magdalen College, Oxford, where he became a student of Richard Whately, the future Archbishop of Dublin. Senior maintained a close connection with Whately throughout his life.

In 1811, Senior obtained his bachelor's degree, and in 1819, he passed the examinations to practice law. In 1836, he secured a position in the office of Lord Cottenham.

Career as a Professor and Researcher

In 1825, a new professorship in political economy was established at Oxford. Senior was appointed to this position in the same year. However, he vacated the professorship in 1830. He resumed the position in 1847 and held it until 1852.

In 1830, Lord Melbourne hired Senior to conduct research on the prospects of existing legislation regarding strikes. Senior also served on various committees, including the Poor Law Amendment Committee in 1832 and the Committee on Weaver's Affairs in 1837. In 1841, he compiled the results of his work with the Weaver's Committee into a comprehensive report, which incorporated ideas that had originated during his involvement with strike legislation.

In 1833, Senior became acquainted with the renowned French politician and historian Alexis de Tocqueville, and they later became close friends.

Contributions and Travels

During the later years of his life, Senior extensively traveled the world, with a particular interest in the political and social conditions of different countries. Some of his travel journals were published and garnered interest among specialists. However, many sociologists criticized Senior for his trivial approach to studying sociological conditions.

Senior's name is often associated with the Great Famine in Ireland in 1845. He once stated that the famine would only kill "no more than a million people," which is seen by some as a stark example of the British government's policy of inaction. Supporters of the genocide theory believe that Senior's words reflect the thinking of educated and respected citizens of the time. Nevertheless, there are opponents who argue that Senior's statement was purely in the context of political economy. Senior's supporters also highlight his efforts in improving the lives of the Irish, even if it meant personal sacrifices.

Nassau William Senior passed away on June 4, 1864, in Kensington.