Jean Piaget is widely acknowledged as one of the most important scholars of the twentieth century. His passionate philosophical search for an understanding of the nature of knowledge led him to make major contributions to the study of child development and epistemology. But how did his early life in Neuchâtel inspire him to embark on this search?

Taking a socio-historical and cultural perspective, this book outlines the development of Piaget's understanding of major issues regarding mind, faith, science, logic, peace, and social rights in a time of anxiety. and world wars The international and multidisciplinary contributors investigate Piaget the adolescent as he begins his quest for autonomy of reason and sets out to create his own explanatory system for cognitive growth. The latter part of the book goes on to consider the early reception of Piaget's work in different cultural contexts and his impact on issues of psychology and educational reform.

Piaget's theoretical system can be seen as an expression of the values he developed during his childhood and adolescence as he searched for the conditions of reciprocal relationships and rational dialogues. Jean Piaget and Neuchâtel demonstrates that in today's climate, the questions Piaget addressed remain very relevant and invite new enquiries from different standpoints. This book will therefore be of interest to psychologists, educators, and philosophers.

This book is published with the support of Pro Helvetia, Swiss Arts Council.

"This is a unique book that presents some wonderful new material on Piaget. New light is cast on his own developmental history and on the development of genetic epistemology. As a result, it will become essential reading for any serious student of Piaget." - Professor Gerry Finn, Department of Educationaland Professional Studies, University of Strathclyde, UK "Jean Piaget [1896-1980] was regarded as the 'Giant of Developmental Psychology' in the 20th century and his influence on developmental psychology can be compared to that of Shakespeare on English literature in the 16th century. In the 21st century, although every textbook in the area continues to include coverage of his work, a biography of Piaget has been largely conspicuous in its absence. There is no competitor to Piaget and Neuchâtel which sets out to remedy this stark omission." - Leslie Smith, Emeritus Professor Lancaster University and freelance researcher, Lake District, UK