Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Silvonen, J. (2005) Ilyenkov and Foucault: Some paradoxes and (im)possible connections. In: Engeström, Y., Lompscher, J. & Rückriem, G. (ed) Putting Activity Theory to Work. (pp. 75-90). Berlin, Lehmanns

The aim of this chapter is to compare Ilyenkov’s and Foucault’s theories of the Ideal and discursive practices and to ask to what extent they are compatible. It will be claimed that Ilyenkov’s concept of the Ideal opens up a significant developmental perspective beyond a simplistic dichotomy between idealism and materialism. The concept of the Ideal expands Vygotsky’s idea of the zone of proximal development by defining all social relations as potential spaces for expansive activity. By doing so Ilyenkov conceptualise the creative aspect of activity. What is missing in his theory, however, is the analysis of power relations in social reality. It will be claimed that Foucault’s analysis of discursive practices opens up a critical perspective on power-knowledge (the Truth) production as an inherent aspect of all activity. It is claimed that for a proper understanding of social reality a methodology combining developmental perceptive with critical perspective is needed.