Jean Piaget is widely acknowledged as one of the most important scholars of the twentieth century. His passionate philosophical search for an understanding of the nature of knowledge led him to make major contributions to the study of child development and epistemology. But how did his early life in Neuchâtel inspire him to embark on this search? Taking a socio-historical and cultural perspective, this book outlines the development of Piaget's understanding of major issues regarding mind, faith, science, logic, peace, and social rights in a time of anxiety. and world wars The international and multidisciplinary contributors investigate Piaget the adolescent as he begins his quest for autonomy of reason and sets out to create his own explanatory system for cognitive growth. The latter part of the book goes on to consider the early reception of Piaget's work in different cultural contexts and his impact on issues of psychology and educational reform.

Piaget's theoretical system can be seen as an expression of the values he developed during his childhood and adolescence as he searched for the conditions of reciprocal relationships and rational dialogues. Jean Piaget and Neuchâtel demonstrates that in today's climate, the questions Piaget addressed remain very relevant and invite new enquiries from different standpoints. This book will therefore be of interest to psychologists, educators, and philosophers.

This book is published with the support of Pro Helvetia, Swiss Arts Council.