Yrjo Engestrom
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> Abstract for ISCRAT 98
>
> THE DIALECTICS OF INTERNALIZATION AND EXTERNALIZATION IN HUMAN ACTIVITY
>
> Yrjo Engestrom
> The Academy of Finland and University of California, San Diego
>
> In the Vygotskian tradition, internalization is generally regarded as a ke=
y
> process in the formation of higher psychological functions. Vygotsky also
> pointed out the importance of externalization. However, the latter process
> has seldom been studied in depth, and often it is altogether neglected in
> developmental theorizing.
>
> In this paper, I will argue (a) that internalization and externalization
> are inseparable, complementary process, (b) that they must also be
> analytically separated and analyzed as distincitive processes, (c) that an
> expanded view of externalization, understood as production of new cultural
> artifacts, is a key to understanding creation as constitutive of all human
> activity, (d) that the interplay of these two processes may be fruitfully
> studied in multi-step cycles of construction and appropriation of new mode=
s
> of activity.
>
> In conclusion, I will discuss the relationship of the concepts of
> internalization/externalization to the concepts of consumption/production
> (Marx) and contemplation/experimentation (Davydov).