Enlightenment: Review of 'Marvelous Minds: The Discovery of What Children Know', Michael Siegal, Oxford University Press; 2008; Hb £24.95

Abstract

This book attempts to explore just how much knowledge children are able to attain through their developmental cycle. Siegal, who has an extensive research publication record in the area of developmental psychology, explores the topic through some imaginative chapters and associations such as 'Astronomy and geography' and 'Biology, food and hygiene'. These chapters were not what I was expecting vis-à-vis this type of book, but it worked very well and provided an interesting perspective on just how much potential there is for children to understand the world around them. Siegal provides interesting slants that give evidence to back-up his assertions that children are potentially much more knowledgeable about their surroundings than had hitherto been supposed. Siegal highlights inherent dangers in some beliefs that are impressed by adults upon children, for example developing a belief that illness is God's punishment (which, worryingly, is still believed by some adults).