Jean Piaget (9 August 1896 – 16 September 1980) was a Swiss psychologist known for his pioneering work in child development. He is particularly recognized for his theory of cognitive development, which describes the nature and development of human intelligence.
Born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Piaget was the eldest son of Arthur Piaget, a professor of medieval literature at the University of Neuchâtel, and Rebecca Jackson. His interest in biology and the natural world led him to publish his first scientific paper at the age of 10, examining a partially albino sparrow. Piaget's early interest in biology influenced his later work in psychology, particularly his focus on the developmental stages of children.
Piaget's theory is based on the idea that children actively construct their understanding of the world. He proposed four main stages:
Piaget's work not only influenced educational psychology but also had a significant impact on educational practices worldwide. His ideas about children's learning led to:
Piaget spent most of his professional career at the University of Geneva, where he was the director of the International Centre for Genetic Epistemology. His work extended beyond psychology into philosophy, particularly in the field of epistemology, where he explored how knowledge is acquired. Piaget received numerous awards and honors, including the Erasmus Prize in 1972.
Despite some criticisms regarding the universality and timing of his stages, Piaget's theories continue to be a fundamental part of developmental psychology and education. His work has inspired further research into how children think and learn, with many of his concepts still relevant in modern educational practices.