1952 year discussion on Uznadze's psychology of Set

Abstract

The work presents a detailed analysis of all aspects of the discussion titled ‘Actual problems of soviet psychology’. The discussion was organized by Georgian Academy of sciences in Tbilisi in 1952. Apart from the discussion itself, some preceding events are also described in the research. The discussion focused on two main issues: transformation of psychology taking into consideration the results of the so called ‘Pavlovian session’ and ideological correctness of Uznadze’s theory of set. In fact, these issues were interrelated and most participants referred to both of them. The arguments of those opposing the theory of set were chiefly based on the clichés of historical and dialectical materialism. In contrast to this, the representatives of Uznadze’s school presented scientifically substantiated theses. Moreover, thanks to their deep knowledge of the relevant sources, they were able to find supporting arguments in Marxism itself and showed the inconsistency between their opponents’ views and those expressed by Marxist classics. The discussion clearly ended ‘in favor’ of the school of set. At the social level it resulted in the consolidation of the Georgian psychological school. At the intellectual level it served as a kind of training field where the arguments to defend the theory of set were tested, ascertained and refined. It was a considerable experience for future debates with more serious opponents, in much more difficult situations and social environment. The discussions will be analyzed in further works.