Klaus Riegel's extension of Piagetian stage theory arguing that adult cognitive development proceeds through contradiction and crisis rather than toward a final equilibrium — dialectical operations as a fifth stage.
Against Piaget's equilibrium: Piaget's model culminates in formal operations (abstract logic) as a final equilibrium state. Riegel argued that mature cognition involves the ability to tolerate and productively engage with contradiction — dialectical operations. Development at any level involves asynchronies between biological, psychological, cultural, and sociological progressions; these conflicts (crises) produce growth. Influenced Vygotsky's revival and adult developmental theory.
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