Jean Piaget

This critical study examines a key aspect of Piaget's cognitive development theory, challenging traditional views on children's problem-solving abilities.

Jean Piaget, a prominent Swiss developmental psychologist and epistemologist, is celebrated for his innovative research with children that led to the formulation of a significant theory of cognitive development. In Jean Piaget, Geldolph A. Kohnstamm offers a critical analysis of a fundamental aspect of Piaget's theory, particularly focusing on the concept of class inclusion. According to Piaget, a child's ability to address class inclusion problems signifies the onset of concrete operational thought around the ages of seven or eight.

Kohnstamm's research challenges this notion by demonstrating that, through specific teaching approaches, many five-year-olds can successfully solve class inclusion problems. This finding raises questions about Piaget's assertion that logical operations develop only within tightly connected groupings of operations rather than in isolation. Kohnstamm posits that to validate Piaget's theory, it is essential to show that children mastering one type of operation can transfer their understanding to other operations within the same category.

The revised edition of Jean Piaget includes a new introduction and epilogue, enhancing its relevance for contemporary readers. Originally published in the Netherlands in 1967, this work has not reached a wide audience in the United States, leaving many interested in Piaget's theories unaware of Kohnstamm's critical insights. This book serves as a valuable resource for those in the fields of cognitive, developmental, and educational psychology, offering a fresh perspective on Piaget's influential work.