The history of recapitulation theory in psychology
Date
1984
Authors
Foster, James G.
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Abstract
The history of recapitulation theory in biology and psychology is reviewed. This theory proposed that during the course of its individual development, an organism will pass through a series of stages which resemble the ancestors of its species. The rise and fall of this notion in the history of biology introduces the reader to the technical aspects of recapitulation theory, explains why it failed as a biological "law," and suggests reasons why the idea became so popular despite its empirical shortcomings. This section is followed by a study of six major contributors to the history of psychology who extended the principle of recapitulation to explain the mental development of the individual. Questions raised by their accounts indicated that a more adequate approach to this notion of recapitulation at a psychological level of organization might begin from a point of departure which gives recognition to the social nature of human relations.
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UN SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions