Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, Vol 46(1), Feb 2026, 1-16; doi:10.1037/teo0000338
The main purpose of this article is to present a way of reading Vygotsky, which can help us develop his central concepts today. This is done by revisiting Lev Vygotsky’s first contributions to psychology, emphasizing the significance of consciousness in his work and critiquing the oversimplified interpretations of his concepts. By analyzing Vygotsky through a Hegelian perspective, we highlight the necessity of considering the role of consciousness to accurately interpret and develop his concepts. Vygotsky’s perspective on development as a complex interplay between the restructuring of consciousness and the acquisition of higher mental functions challenges narrow readings of his work and underscores the influence of the cultural–historical context on individual development. The discussion also foregrounds Vygotsky’s methodological innovations, rooted in dialectical thinking, showing his, at his time, novel approach to integrating consciousness into psychological science. This dialectical method elucidates the transformative nature of consciousness and its central place in psychology. Narrow interpretations of Vygotsky’s theories not only misrepresent his contribution to studying human intellectual development but also overlook the implications of his emphasis on consciousness for psychology. Vygotsky advocated for a detailed exploration of how human development, developing a specific aspect of said human, always also restructures her consciousness. The article provides a deeper engagement with Vygotsky’s dialectical methods, suggesting that a comprehensive approach to his theories can open new areas of research and practice, enriching our understanding of the dynamic relationship between consciousness, development, and the human experience. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)