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Psychological Science and Education
2015. Vol. 20, no. 3, 16–24
https://doi.org/10.17759/pse.2015200303
ISSN: 1814-2052 / 2311-7273 (online)

Reflection on the Relationship between Cultural-historical Theory and Dialectics

 
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Abstract

Challenging dominant positivistic psychology, Vygotsky elaborated cultural-historical theory in order to overcome the crisis in psychology. Spinoza’s monism, Hegelian dialectics and Marx’s materialistic dialectics inspired Vygotsky to develop a dialectical understanding of the development of higher mental functions. Dialectics as a way of thinking focuses on the study of each concrete object in its mutual connections with other objects, in its internal contradictions and in its process of change. Vygotsky criticized the understanding of dialectics as a sum of universal principles which can be applied in a direct way in the field of psychology and highlighted the complex relationships between philosophy and concrete scientific disciplines. Rethinking cultural-historical psychology in the light of dialectics offers a creative insight into crucial theoretical questions of psychology such as the interconnection between theory and practice, objectivist-subjectivist distinction, etc. Dialectical underpinnings of cultural-historical theory have been forgotten in mainstream, North-Atlantic interpretations and applications of Vygotsky’s theory.

General Information

Keywords: dialectics, cultural-historical theory, Vygotsky, development, drama, crisis

Journal rubric: Pedagogical Education

OpenAlex citations: 17

OpenAlex trends: Innovative Education and Learning Practices, Educational and Psychological Assessments, Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

Information about the work in OpenAlex

Number of citations: 17

Topics

Innovative Education and Learning Practices

This cluster of papers explores workplace learning, informal and formal learning, communities of practice, expansive learning, and the application of activity theory in understanding learning in professional work settings. It delves into the role of Vygotsky's theories, boundary crossing, and tacit knowledge in shaping learning experiences within organizations.

Number of works: 29928  |  Total number of citations: 381405

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Educational and Psychological Assessments

This cluster of papers focuses on the application of dynamic assessment in educational psychology, emphasizing Vygotskian praxis, mediated learning experience, and the zone of proximal development. It explores the use of dynamic assessment for language development, cognitive modifiability, and the effectiveness of nurture groups and peer mediation. The papers also discuss assessment practices and the role of educational psychologists in promoting learning potential.

Number of works: 88848  |  Total number of citations: 952482

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

This cluster of papers focuses on teacher professional development, qualitative research methods, teacher identity formation, educational leadership, technology integration in education, teacher efficacy, professional learning communities, school improvement, and reflective practice. It explores the challenges and strategies for improving teaching practices, fostering a supportive educational environment, and enhancing the effectiveness of professional development programs for educators.

Number of works: 134932  |  Total number of citations: 1711506

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Work details in OpenAlex

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/pse.2015200303

Published

For citation: Dafermos, M. (2015). Reflection on the Relationship between Cultural-historical Theory and Dialectics . Psychological Science and Education, 20(3), 16–24. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/pse.2015200303

© Dafermos M., 2015

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Manolis Dafermos, Candidate of Science (Philosophy), Professor of Epistemology of Psychology, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Crete, Greece, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7321-8145, e-mail: mdafermo@uoc.gr

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