Life, Work, and Learning Practice in Postmodernity

9780415161893

0415161894

Education has largely ignored the significance of informal workplace learning as a source of knowledge. Close attention to 'know-how', to the practical judgements made and re-made at work, is required to rectify this oversight. In both paid and unpaid work contexts adults learn powerfully from their experiences. In this book, the authors argue that this should be the basis for a new perception of what is truly educational in life. Drawing on the works of Aristotle, Wittgenstein and Russell, along with contemporary conceptual work, they use both philosophical argument and empirical example to establish their view. Their approach confronts the traditional view of education, which throughout Western history has been shaped by formal study in schools and universities. This modernist view has now been superseded, they argue, by postmodern insights. Discussing the decentring of traditional education in favour of experiential, informal and reflective epistemologies, they cover topics such as: · education vs training · professional practice in adult and vocational education · experience, self direction and reflection This work will be of essential interest to philosophers of education and educational theorists worldwide. It will also interest teachers, trainers, facilitators, and all those with an interest in adult and vocational education.