Habermas, Critical Theory and Selves-Directed Learning

Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 23, No. 4-5, pp. 251-261, 1999

21 Pages Posted: 10 Oct 2005

See all articles by David O'Donnell

David O'Donnell

Intellectual Capital Research Institute of Ireland

Abstract

Habermas' concept of communicative rationality, in which reason is construed in terms of the noncoercive intersubjectivity of mutual understanding and reciprocal recognition, provides a valid foundation on which the theory and practice of selves-directed learning can be developed. In an increasingly individualized world, a focus on learning networks allows a perspective transformation from the purely individualistic instrumental rationality of self-directed-learning towards communicative interaction via learning encounters and the possibility of satisfying the emancipatory conditions of communicative rationality within communities of selves-directed-learners in life and work. The orientation of communicative action to criticizable validity claims which are open to empirical investigation is the central core that makes this learning process both theoretically and practically possible.

Keywords: Critical theory, Habermas, learning networks, self-directed learning, workplace learning

JEL Classification: D70, I20, J24, M12, M53, P16

Suggested Citation

O'Donnell, David, Habermas, Critical Theory and Selves-Directed Learning. Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 23, No. 4-5, pp. 251-261, 1999, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=818364

David O'Donnell (Contact Author)

Intellectual Capital Research Institute of Ireland ( email )

Clonee Road
Ballyagran
Limerick County
Ireland

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