Concept Formation in the Wild

Concept formation is predominantly analyzed in classrooms and laboratory experiments, meaning the collective formation of culturally novel concepts in practical activities 'in the wild' has largely been neglected. However, understanding and influencing the complexity and contradictions of the present world demands powerful concepts that can make a difference in practice. Going beyond the understanding of concepts as individually acquired static labels, this book develops a dialectical theory of collective formation of novel concepts in the wild, in everyday activities. Drawing on cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), concepts are seen as contested and future-oriented means for guiding activities and their transformations. Detailed real-life examples of germ-cell concepts show how they can radically influence the course of development in different activities. Helping to identify and foster the formation of potentially powerful concepts in fields of practice, it is essential reading for researchers, advanced students and practitioners across human and social sciences. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.Author: Engeström, Yrjö,author Contributors: Engeström, Yrjö,author Binding: hardcover Number Of Pages: 180 Publication Date: Release Date: Languages: English,Published,English,Original Language,Englis Published/Release Date: 27 Jun 2024 Format: Hardback Publisher/Studio/Brand: Cambridge University Press Author/Director/Artist: Yrjo Engestrom Dimension (cm): 229x152x19 mm Package Dimension (cm): 19x229x152 mm Item Weight (g): 445 Package Weight (g): 445