THE PSYCHE IN HISTORICAL TIME

Abstract

This article is a theoretical essay on the three fundamental categories for understanding Vigotski's Historical-Cultural Theory, namely: the constitution of higher psychological processes, the concept of mediation and development zone in the context of Historical-Cultural Theory . The objective is to discuss these three fundamental categories highlighting the concepts according to the principle of totality. The analysis of Vigotski's thought offers a key to understanding these categories based on the presupposition of the investigation of the human psyche in historical time. Therefore, it is necessary to consider such categories with reference to the notion of totality, that is, the assumption that these concepts interrelate, interpenetrate and cannot be taken as finished products and enclosed in themselves. Methodologically, the text proposes a dialogue with Vigotski's texts and with other authors from the literature of Soviet Psychology. The reflection and contribution of this study emphasize the founding character of Soviet Psychology and all the effort to develop a theory with principles and laws supported by the historical and dialectical character of the human psyche, including other units of analysis such as the role of cultural tools in mediation and work. In addition, the importance of discussion and clarity regarding these categories to understand the learning and development processes in pedagogical practice is also important.