The Power of Critical Theory: Liberating Adult Learning and Teaching - Hardcover

by Stephen D. Brookfield (Author)

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.

Front Jacket

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.

Back Jacket

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.

Author Biography

THE AUTHOR

Stephen D. Brookfield is distinguished professor at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. He also serves as consultant to the adult education doctoral program at National Louis University in Chicago. He is the author of Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher, Developing Critical Thinkers, Discussion as a Way of Teaching, The Skillful Teacher, and Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning.