Key Words. Cognitive development · Dualism · History of psychology · Social interaction · Society · Speech

Abstract. Vygotsky's cultural-historical theory is discussed, especially the distinction be-tween lower and higher psychological processes. The distinction is criticized, based in part on discussions in Soviet psychology. In particular, it is shown that Vygotsky separated the lower and higher psychological processes too sharply, and that his conception of lower processes äs 'naturaP and 'passive ' is false. The authors suggest that these shortcomings can be overcome within the cultural-historical framework. Vygotsky's theory is not only of historical value, but continues to play a role in contemporary psychology. There is a growing interest in the works of The main criticism is that Vygotsky created a the well-known Soviet psychologist Lev Se- dichotomy between the lower and higher pro-myonovich Vygotsky (1896-1934). In the cessesdue to an inadequate conception of the 1920's Vygotsky together with Leont'ev and lower psychological processes. Luria developed a thoroughly new concep-tion of many important psychological prob-lems. The core of his writings is the so-called Higher Psychological Processes socio-historical or cultural-historical theor