This collection introduces Activity Theory to the current generation of theorists and
researchers. Originating in early Soviet psychology suppressed by Stalin and later
rediscovered this rich theoretical tradition and intellectual movement proliferated globally
and developed in different directions across a variety of disciplines. However until recently
it remained the best-held secret of academia (Engeström 2009). Activity Theory presents a
unique approach to studying the nature origin and development of human subjectivity. Its core
proposition is that the mind cannot be reduced to individual brain or body functions nor can
be understood as a discursive or cultural phenomenon. Instead Activity Theory posits that the
mind emerges and develops inter-subjectively and is internalized by individuals always
embedded along with their culture and language in the context of object-oriented social
practices. By refocusing the lens of inquiry from the individual onto the patterns of activity
in which they move this method illuminates a special reality-the materiality of human practice
which shapes the subject in ways that biological and cultural explanations cannot fully
capture. This volume assembles current scholarship from prominent figures across diverse fields
who share the Activity Theory approach. It presents their findings and reflects on Activity
Theory's history significance and prospects. With contributions by David Bakhurst Andy
Blunden Mikael Brunila Juliano Camillo Seth Chaiklin Michael Cole Brecht De Smet Yrjö
Engeström Cathrine Hasse Alex Levant Miriam McSweeney Cristiano Mattos Kyoko Murakami
Bonnie Nardi Vesa Oittinen Juhana Rantavuori André Machado Rodriguez Annalisa Sannino Anna
Stetsenko Katsuhiro Yamazumi.
