FRA YDRE STRUKTURER TIL INDRE KATEGORIER

-En »realistisk« hypotese om barnets kategoridannelse.

Abstract

The last 25 years of developmental investigations, has reach a much deeper insight in a) the interaction between infant and caretaker, and b) the abilities of the infant concerning sensation, action and communication. Among others, Stem and Trevarthen have tried to conceptualize these insights in a broader theoretical framework. On the basis o f Sterns conceptions of »amodal perception« and in opposition to his conception of the »basic elements of the subjective experience«, the article proposes a hypothesis about the development of inner categories/representations. lt
is proposed, that the inner categories develop on the basis of sensated patterns/structures in the childs environment, especially in the infant-caretaker-interaction. Some of these structures - and the infants sensory capabilities to deal with them - are investigated. The hypothesis then becomes the basis for some critical comments on central elements in Sterns and Trevartbens view on the infant, especially their view of the »self« as an inborn and immanent quality of the newhorn infant.