The Problem of Cultural-Historical Typology From the Four-Level-Cognitive-Development Theory Perspective

Abstract

The problem of cultural-historical typology is one of the most intriguing issues at the crossroads of psychology and cultural theory. This article presents a preliminary sketch of the four-level-cognitive-development theory to look at this issue from a new perspective. According to the model suggested, three cultural types are marked out: prehistoric and hunter-gatherer culture, early theoretical culture (e.g., Ancient Greek, Ancient Chinese, Ancient Indian), and modern industrial culture. The major features of four cognitive levels are described; the links between them and cultural types are explored. Also some conjectures are posed concerning social-cultural processes that entailed the emergence of new cognitive levels.