Tetrarnaia model’ kognitivnogo razvitiia i kul’turno-istoricheskaia tipologiia

Abstract

The article enquires into the issue of cultural-historical typology viewed in the context of cognition. The author proposes a model of cultural-historical evolution, based on four cognitive stages. Stage A is characteristic of the higher primates; Stage B emerges with the early human culture and is typical of traditional cultures; Stage C arises with the first “theoretical” cultures such as Ancient Greece; finally, Stage D commences with the emergence of world religions and later developments in economy and social life. Cognitive operations characteristic of Stage D may be detected in texts by mediaeval Christian and Muslim philosophers, and they significantly expand in modern societies and cultures, being especially important in the contemporary industrial culture.