Paulo Freire and Lev Vygotsky: some thoughts and questions on their relationship

The text discusses the relationship between Freirian thought and Lev Vygotsky's theories and expands the dialogues that rethink the pedagogical praxis that seeks human emancipation. From a perception of language that emphasizes the social and dialogic character of human interactions, the Brazilian educator develops the critical awareness of students, while the Soviet cultural-historical psychologist seeks to enhance the psychological development of children and adolescents. On the one hand, Freire's focus is on social action, while Vygotsky's attention is on social thinking, and that is the reason why the article argues that teachers can benefit from both approaches, promoting higher levels of thinking while enabling the student to overcome oppression. Thus, both Paulo Freire and Lev Vygotsky recognize in the literacy drive also an element of the deepest struggle for social justice.