A central problem in cultural psychology is the diversity of patterns of rationality among cultures, historical periods, and stages of personal development. The distinguished contributors to this volume maintain that the acknowledgement of the inconsistency of rational patterns is not necessarily at odds with the traditional notion of the psychological unity of humankind. Leading psychologists, anthropologists, historians, and educational theorists explore this issue in considerable depth, citing relevant examples and problems relating to their specific areas of expertise. Scholars of social and psychological disciplines will find this text to be informative and thought-provoking.