Becoming a Creative Scientist: Jean Piaget's development

Abstract

Jean Piaget has surpassed most of his scientific contemporaries in influence, significance and productivity. Two questions of pedagogical interest can be asked: How did the boy Jean Piaget, with his peculiar interest in philosophy, become such an outstanding scientist, and what was the role of his teachers in this respect? Piaget's way into science demonstrates that personal ability, drive and creativity can be more important factors in the development of a young scientist than special fostering at school.