Alexandre Romanovitch Luria (1902-1977). Partie I. Le psychologue.

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Cultural Psychology

Background:

• Overview of Alexander Romanovich Luria's biography and foundational contributions to general psychology.
• Introduction to Luria's collaboration with Lev Semenovich Vygotski on the historical-cultural theory of psychology.
• Emphasis on the distinction between natural mental activities and higher cortical functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present Luria's general psychology work, crucial for his neuropsychology concepts.
• To detail the historical-cultural theory, explaining the transformation of mental activities.
• To support the theory using Luria's empirical research.

Main Methods:

• Review of Luria's biographical information.
• Analysis of the historical-cultural theory developed with Vygotski.
• Examination of Luria's studies in Central Asia, on twins, and children with intellectual disabilities.
• Demonstration of speech's role in child development and behavioral regulation.

Main Results:

• Natural mental activities evolve into higher cortical functions through language and social mediation.
• The development of these higher functions is contingent upon societal and cultural development.
• Luria's research provides empirical support for the theory's core tenets.

Conclusions:

• Luria's work underscores the profound impact of socio-cultural factors on cognitive development.
• The theory highlights the transformative role of language in shaping human consciousness.
• Neuropsychology concepts are deeply rooted in Luria's understanding of socio-historical influences on the brain.