Attention as a Higher Psychic Function

The aim of this article is to contribute to a better understanding of the psychological problem of human attention and its development. At the center of the theoretical analysis is attention as a Higher Psychic Function, determined not by biological factors, but by cultural-historical ones. We believe that the results of the analysis can contribute to a better understanding of the development of this psychical function in order to address pedagogical and psychological challenges related to the development of attention and in particular to attention deficits (not only) in primary school pupils. This is necessary as their importance is growing now and in the future, which also makes it necessary to discuss the value of medicinal treatment critically. By characterizing the cultural-historical nature of attention, its connection with interests and needs as well as with the development of abstract thinking and the formation of concepts, it becomes evident that the development of attention, interests and (cultural) needs first of all result from learning in the dialectical unit with pedagogical activity. This also clarifies the importance of adequate educational approaches and the role of medicinal intervention for attention deficits.