Critical Theory and Transformative Learning: Rethinking the Radical Intent of Mezirow's Theory

Ted Fleming
Additional contact information
Ted Fleming: Teachers College Columbia University, New York, USA

International Journal of Adult Vocational Education and Technology (IJAVET), 2018, vol. 9, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Mezirow relies on the critical theory of Habermas to give his theory of transformative learning rigor. Yet critiques persist and focus on whether the theory has an adequate understanding of the social dimension of learning and whether it is overly rational. This article addresses these issues and explores relevant ideas from Habermas and Honneth. Critical theory has evolved and Honneth's theory of recognition has implications for transformative learning. Following the communicative turn of Habermas, Honneth makes recognition and freedom key concepts that contribute to developing transformative learning theory. Intersubjectivity and recognition become the necessary preconditions for critical reflection, discourse, democracy and transformative learning. Freedom is also reconfigured and these ideas address the main critiques of transformation theory.

Date: 2018
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Downloads: (external link)
http://services.igi-global.com/resolvedoi/resolve. ... 18/IJAVET.2018070101 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:igg:javet0:v:9:y:2018:i:3:p:1-13

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Adult Vocational Education and Technology (IJAVET) is currently edited by Viktor Wang

More articles in International Journal of Adult Vocational Education and Technology (IJAVET) from IGI Global
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Journal Editor ().