Structuralism

by Jean Piaget

Paperback, 1958

Status

Available

Call number

149.9

Collections

Your library, Philosophy, Theoretical & Philosophical Psychology

Publication

HarperCollins (paper) (1958), Edition: First Edition

Description

Originally published in English in 1971, structuralism was an increasingly important method of analysis in disciplines as diverse as mathematics, physics, biology, psychology, linguistics, sociology, anthropology and philosophy. Piaget here offers both a definitive introduction to the method and a brilliant critique of the principal structuralist positions. He explains and evaluates the work of the main people at work in the field - Claude Lévi-Strauss, Michel Foucault, Talcott Parsons, Noam Chomsky - and concludes that structuralism has a rich and fruitful future ahead of it. An indispensable work for serious students and working scholars in almost every field, the book is also an important addition to Piaget's life-long study of the relationship of language and thought.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member sashame

Amazing survey and articulation of structuralism, both normative and descriptive (though clear about its intent). Very interesting and original analysis of contemporary authors, especially Kuhn & Foucault. Deserves a place in the philosophy of science.

Piaget deals with the general theory very

delicately, in a nuanced way, asserting that all good structuralism has to be fundamentally constructive, but that it could hypothetically aim at and move towards something objective.

And of course, since most are probably interested, Piaget does thoroughly explain his own theories of genetic epistemology and child development.

While I generally detest structuralism, Piaget's is probably the best treatment I'll find.

Show Less