Objective:

This article analyzes the reception of Norbert Elias' psychogenetic perspective within Steven Pinker's so-called evolutionary psychology. It studies how Pinker, unlike other exponents of Eliasian theory, not only finds the German sociologist's theory relevant in relation to the figurational position, but especially regarding his way of conceptualizing the historical development of psychic structures.

Methodology:

Based on the comparison of edited sources, we specify to what extent the processual view of Elias' thought has managed to establish itself and be continued in the academic orientation defended by Pinker.

Originality:

The comparison of the works of Elias and Pinker opens the opportunity to explore the reception of Norbert Elóas' thought as a cognitive problem typical of the current phase of social development.

Conclusion:

We suggest that the similarities and differences in the way the two authors define the cognitive development of humanity as a problem of study have profound consequences on the conceptualization of the history of culture.