ABSTRACT

This accessible collection of essays critically examines Vygotsky’s scientific legacy. The book is solidly grounded in the "revisionist revolution" context and encourages constructive questioning of Vygotsky’s theory of human development. It tackles thought-provoking issues such as the true value of his scholarship, the possible falsification of his scientific legacy, and the role of political factors and the Communist parties in the worldwide dissemination of his work. It is essential reading on Vygotskian psychology and of interest to students and researchers in developmental psychology, history of psychology, history of science, Soviet/Russian history, philosophical science and education.

chapter 1|21 pages

Vygotsky’s science of Superman

From Utopia to concrete psychology

chapter 3|22 pages

Rethinking Vygotsky

A Critical reading of the semiotics in Vygotsky’s cultural-historical theory

chapter 4|26 pages

Vygotsky’s “significant other”

Alexander Luria’s contribution to the development of Vygotsky’s ideas

chapter 6|30 pages

From Superhumans to Supermediators

Locating the extraordinary in CHAT