The Child as Natural Phenomenologist: Primal and Primary Experience in Merleau-Ponty's Psychology (Studies in Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy)

Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961) is well known for his work in phenomenology, but his lectures in child psychology and pedagogy have received little attention, probably because Talia Welsh translated the lectures in their entirety only in 2010. The Child as Natural Phenomenologist summarizes Merleau-Ponty’s work in child psychology, shows its relationship to his philosophical work, and argues for its continued relevance in contemporary theory and practice. ​ Welsh demonstrates Merleau-Ponty’s unique conception of the child’s development as inherently organized, meaningful, and engaged with the world, contrary to views that see the child as largely internally preoccupied and driven by instinctual demands. Welsh finds that Merleau-Ponty’s ideas about human psychology remain relevant in today’s growing field of child studies and that they provide important insights for philosophers, sociologists, and psychologists to better understand the human condition. "Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908-1961) is well known for his work in phenomenology, but his lectures in child psychology and pedagogy have received little attention, probably because Talia Welsh translated the lectures in their entirety only in 2010. The Child as Natural Phenomenologist summarizes Merleau-Ponty's work in child psychology, shows its relationship to his philosophical work, and argues for its continued relevance in contemporary theory and practice."--Back cover Early Work In Child Psychology -- Phenomenology, Gestalt Theory, And Psychoanalysis -- Syncretic Sociability And The Birth Of The Self -- Contemporary Research In Psychology And Phenomenology -- Exploration And Learning -- Culture, Development, And Gender -- Conclusion: An Incomparable Childhood. Talia Welsh. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Mode Of Access: World Wide Web. Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961) is well known for his work in phenomenology, but his lectures in child psychology and pedagogy have received little attention. The Child as Natural Phenomenologist summarises Merleau-Ponty’s work in child psychology, shows its relationship to his philosophical work, and argues for its continued relevance in contemporary theory and practice. Contents Preface List of Abbreviations 1. Early Work in Child Psychology 2. Phenomenology, Gestalt Theory, and Psychoanalysis 3. Syncretic Sociability and the Birth of the Self 4. Contemporary Research in Psychology and Phenomenology 5. Exploration and Learning 6. Culture, Development, and Gender Conclusion: An Incomparable Childhood Works Cited Index