No developmental psychology without recapitulation theory

Abstract

In this paper, the European roots of modern developmental psychology are described. The Enlightenment was concentrated on autonomous thinking (Kant) and natural development and education (Rousseau) that resulted in community schooling. After Prussia was defeated by Napoleon (the Battle of Jena, 1806), German Romanticism intensified, leading to a new interest in childhood, child development and education. In the second half of the nineteenth century this new interest in child development was biologized, in particular by Haeckel’s recapitulation theory. This theory is at the core of the work of the fathers of developmental psychology and education: Preyer, Hall, Baldwin and Piaget. Nowadays, although Haeckel and his theory do not play any role in developmental psychology, it is clear that they are of foundational relevance for understanding the history of developmental psychology.

Keywords:

• Recapitulation theory
• history of developmental psychology
• Haeckel
• Hall
• Baldwin & Piaget

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. The original quote, in Dutch: “…van mij zal geen leeglopende stadsmens afstammen”.