The Plot of the Mental Object Capacity

Abstract

In this final chapter, I return to the inspiration that led to the present work: Piaget’s object concept. After explaining its original meaning I argue for its expansion into a societal frame. In fact, I propose that Piaget’s mental object is this social frame. Other developmental achievements presuppose this frame. In this sense this final analysis is another summary of the argument pursued throughout this book, that there is an endogenous and developmental origin to society.

But man, proud man … Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven As makes the angels weep: who, with our spleens, Would all themselves laugh mortal.

William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure, II, 2