Morality, language use, and ontogenesis: Vygotsky and shotter revisited

According to Vygotsky’s theory, language is the driving force behind the attainment of ontogenesis. Here, language is described as a psychological tool, and its invariable internalisation mediates the higher psychological functions. When combined with the biological lines of development, the fully developed human being emerges. However, it is not just language that drives ontogenesis. It is on this point that Vygotsky’s theory has come under criticism. Scholars, such as Shotter, have pointed out that Vygotsky’s theory neglects, to a certain degree, the importance of moral inculcation as a driving force behind language use. However, in response to this, it is argued that language is the driving force in ontogenesis, particularly in the early stages of development. Thus, as language is internalised and speech develops, moral behaviour only then begins to impact on language production, not before.