Critique

Abstract

In this final Part I want to examine some of the major issues in genetic epistemology—the relative contributions of function and structure, social factors, consciousness and so on—and also to discuss the status of genetic epistemology as a field of study. Often this will be attempted within the framework of the following question: how good a run for its money can we give Baldwin’s theory? In seeking to make out a case for Baldwin’s genetic theory of knowledge relative to that of Piaget the aim is not to turn back the clock and advocate a wholesale acceptance of Baldwin’s taxonomy, but to draw out what is useful to modern psychology from this pre-behaviourist theory. The weaknesses of Baldwin’s theory—especially its lack of original empirical material—will be glossed over somewhat, but they are more often weaknesses of omission than of practice.