Maturation of Peripheral Sensory Systems and Cognitive Reorganizations: Just Coincidence? A. J. Malerstein
This paper was presented at the Jean Piaget Society Meeting in Amsterdam June 1, 2007. Because the time that was allotted for the presentation was limited to 15 minutes, only a bare-boned argument could be offered. For a more extended discussion of why timing of full myelination of the peripheral sensory tracts is not just a coincidence, see chapters 3 and 7 in the book.
For the last 30 years, I have tried to integrate Piaget’s work with psychiatric findings — particularly the formation of character structure — with the development of consciousness, and with maturation of the nervous system.
Today, I will describe how full myelination of the visual tract, from the retina to the cerebral cortex could assist transition from Stage 3 to Stage 4 of the Sensorimotor Period.
And how full myelination of the auditory tract, from the cochlea to the cerebral cortex, could assist transition from the Preconceptual Phase to the Intuitive Phase.
Not everyone is familiar with the brain or the nervous system, so I will review a few things. Shown is the left side of the brain.
Note the primary visual area of the cortex—V1. The visual tract transmits electrical impulses from the retina to V1.
Also note the primary auditory area of the cortex—A1. The auditory tract transmits electrical impulses from the cochlea of the ear to A1.
Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Bibliography
