The structural-genetic theory programme is an offshoot of Piagetian theory and Piagetian Cross-Cultural Psychology. It resorts to the application of stage theory to history, that is to parallels between ontogenetic and historical stages. Accordingly, the adolescent stage of formal operations evolved late in history, usually not before the 17th century, making and causing the Age of Enlightenment, with its manifestations: rise of physical sciences, industrial economy, formulation of liberty rights and humanistic philosophy, emergence of classical music, etc. The new theory offers possibilities to unify all human disciplines and social sciences under one common roof as they all need a general theory of the human being which stage theory can provide. They all deal with historical developments such as the history of language, law, sciences, economy, morals, philosophy, arts, worldview, religion, and politics that is shaped and carried by psychogenetic stage developments of humans in history.
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