A review of the book by V. V. Davydov “Activity Theory of Thought”

The publication of the book by V.V. Davydov “Activity Theory of Thought” is dedicated to his 75-th anniversary. It includes several chapters from the previously released and widely appreciated monographs (Types of Generalization in Instruction, Theory of Developmental Education, Problems of Developmental Education). The book consists of works by V.V. Davydov that emphasize the activity basis of thought and give a detailed description of facts and conclusions about the patterns of human mental activity development. But these works also reflect the scientist's views on psychology; the logical and theoretical grounds of his studies; the experimental studies on mechanisms and conditions of thought development, which became the ground for theoretical and practical projects. The book includes some archive materials as well, for example, the lectures V.V. Davydov gave at the Moscow State University in which he set forth his reflections on human thought as a specific method of activity. “Activity Theory of Thought” is a collection of texts that represent V.V. Davydov's views on methodology and theory of mental activity, as well as his views on pedagogical practice aimed at forming and developing such activity. Apart from that, the book makes it possible for a reader to form his/her own opinion on the main directions of scientific work of the famous Russian psychologist.