Philosophies of Adult Education

From early years philosopher, including the ancient Greek philosopher has focus the philosophy of adult education on the challenge of its day (Rocco et al., 2020). Philosophical knowledge were considered essential for public teaching or civil law (Gutek, 2010; Murphy, 2006, as cited in Rocco et al., 2020). Philosophers were able to nurture moral life and preserve the culture by developing and supported  liberal education. Adult education continues to share a similar interest moving into the modern era. Any attempt to understand why adult education is important can be defined as a philosophy of adult education (Elias & Merriam, 2005). The modern era presents adult education philosophers such as the Brazilian Paulo Freire, who proposed personal empowerment and social transformation through emancipatory practices (Merriam et al.,2007; Houle, 1992, as cited in Rocco et al., 2020). The accepted philosophies of adult education are liberal, behaviorist, Progressive, analytical, radical /critical, postmodern, and humanistic. The liberal adult education philosophy showcases liberal learning and intellectual development, an example of the liberal adult education philosophy is (Kallen, 1962). Kallen work focus on group learning, the idea was to use cultural pluralism in small groups in the larger society to foster cultural identity. Behaviorist Philosophical foundation in adult education focus on the learning objective, and measurement of performance (Elias & Merriam, 2005). Example of behaviorist philosophy of adult education is (Skinner, 1971). Skinner believes that adult education will impact the behavior of adult in society and result in their survival. The progressive Philosophy informed by scientific method and highlight practical knowledge in society, using the problem-solving methods. My own learning experience aligns well with the progressive philosophy of adult education because it supported learning by doing, and I believe that, I am a perfect example of a practical learner. Example of progressive adult education philosophy is (Paul Bergevin, 1967). Bergevin believes that adult education should concern everyone, his idea was that adult education should be the tool that equip society to educate people to be free and creative. Analytical philosophy of adult education emphasizes logical reasoning and support the concepts of argument, and critical thinking, example of analytical philosophy is (Lawson, 1998). Postmodern philosophical concepts in adult education highlights social practices, using deconstruction and drawing, attention is focused on using culturally relevant as a major portion of the methods used in practices. Radical /critical philosophy of adult education focus on social action, critical thinking and social justice, example of radical philosophy is (Freire, 1972; Brookfield, 2010, and 2019). Critical Philosophical concepts are important in society, and it is moving into prominence, for example, radical philosophy is important to promote social justice, and social justice highlight discrimination, inequality, and marginalization (Isaac et al., 2010, as cited in Rocco et al., 2020). Humanistic philosophy of adult education believes that value should be focused on the development of the individual, this highlight self-actualization, personal growth, and self-direction, example, is the work of (McKenzie,1978 and 1991). McKenzie concept was that adult education, should foster individual learner while they learn about themselves. All philosopher in adult education should seek to have one common language, and this should be for the educators to focus their practices on the learner’s personal, and social life, consequently, improve their practices and prevent the limits on the role philosophers have in society. As an educator, I have charged with many important tasks, however, my most important tasks is to articulate on my own education and method of practices. To increase my experience as a formal educator, most of my philosophy is crafted from theories, some from practices and others from my personal reflection of my learning experiences.  

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