Differentiation -integration theory as a methodological basis for studies consolidation in the sphere of development psychology
The paper considered the methodological role of philosophical understanding of development as a system differentiation of the initial whole (Hegel, Spencer, V. Soloviev, A. A. Bogdanov, L. von Bertalanffy) in theoretical establishment and consolidation of such a specific field of knowledge as developmental psychology. It is shown that the general-philosophical understanding of development as a universal differentiation-integration process really allows us to organize and to consolidate the results of a variety of aspects and directions of the study of mental development from a unified viewpoint. The diffe rentiation$integration paradigm combines the problems of origin and development of the psyche in phylogenesis, the study of ontogenetic development of mental processes (sensation, perception, thinking, memory, creativity, emotions and needs), problems of learning and development programs.