The Power of Critical Theory: Liberating Adult Learning and Teaching Hardback - 2004 - 1st Edition

THE POWER OF CRITICAL THEORY

In this essential resource, Stephen D. Brookfield makes a powerful case for how critical theory can illuminate the everyday practices of adult educators.

The Power of Critical Theory is Brookfield's attempt to put the "critical" back into critical thinking by emphasizing that it is an inherently political process. The book presents powerful arguments for the importance of critical theory in fostering the kind of learning that leads to a truly democratic society, and it explores a number of tasks for adult learners including learning to challenge ideology, contest hegemony, unmask power, overcome alienation, learn liberation, reclaim reason, and practice democracy.

The Power of Critical Theory examines the work of such noted theorists as Adorno, Horkheimer, Foucault, Althusser, Gramsci, Fromm, Marcuse, and Habermas. Brookfield guides readers through key concepts and explains which theorist is most closely identified with each concept. He also explores the issues of race and gender and offers critiques of the major theorists by drawing on the work of Cornel West, Angela Davis, and bell hooks, among others.

At the conclusion of the book, Brookfield shares his personal reflections and reveals the dilemmas, contradictions, pleasures, and frustrations inherent in his own attempts to teach critical theory.