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Moving Toward a Grand Theory of Development: In Memory of Esther Thelen
Author(s) -
Spencer John P.,
Clearfield Melissa,
Corbetta Daniela,
Ulrich Beverly,
Buchanan Patricia,
Schöner Gregor
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
child development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.103
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1467-8624
pISSN - 0009-3920
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2006.00955.x
Subject(s) - psychology , perception , cognition , action (physics) , work (physics) , cognitive science , cognitive development , cognitive psychology , neuroscience , mechanical engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
This paper is in memory of Esther Thelen, who passed away while President of the Society for Research in Child Development. A survey of Esther Thelen's career reveals a trajectory from early work on simple movements like stepping, to the study of goal‐directed reaching, to work on the embodiment of cognition, and, ultimately, to a grand theory of development—dynamic systems theory. Four central concepts emerged during her career: (1) a new emphasis on time; (2) the proposal that behavior is softly assembled from the interaction of multiple subsystems; (3) the embodiment of perception, action, and cognition; and (4) a new respect for individuality. Esther Thelen communicated these ideas to scientists and practitioners alike, so the ultimate benefactors of her work were children.