Theories of Development 227 



resultant of intrinsic factors and innumerable extrinsic 

 factors, a new formation, rather than a preformation. 



.It is self-evident that this conception of development, 

 admitting the modifying influence of external forces 

 and relations, offers special inducements to pedagogical 

 activity. It makes greater demands on the teacher, 

 and must have a wholesome influence in raising edu- 

 cational standards. It immediately brings forward 

 the question, What are the influences that should sur- 

 round the child? What are the desirable qualifica- 

 tions in the teacher; what are the subjects best suited 

 to properly impress the child, and what are the best 

 methods of bringing the child into proper relation to 

 his environment? In the conception of development, 

 as proceeding from within, because of an inborn 

 hereditary principle, and in this conception, as a result- 

 ant of reactions to external forces and influences, lie 

 also involved the important pedagogical questions of 

 child interest and self -activity. 



The Social Theory of Development. The interaction 

 theory naturally leads to a consideration of social 

 phenomena and their relation to human development. 

 It is claimed that man is primarily a social being; 

 and that, in all matters concerning the developing 

 mind, its relation to human society must be duly 

 considered. The aim of education, it is claimed, is 

 good citizenship; and it is only in human society, 

 under the influence of social forces, that social develop- 

 ment can proceed. 



This view emphasizes motor activity as being essen- 

 tial to a useful membership in society. The ability to 

 do the practical things of life is supposed to be of 

 greater importance than to know the impractical. It 

 is thought, too, that the mind develops naturally with 

 the development of the bodily functions; that physical 

 development reacts on mental development, manual 

 dexterity of all kinds being of necessity closely depend- 



