Reason, Communicative Learning, and Civil Society: The Use of Habermasian Theory in Adult Education

This paper examines the use of Habermasian theory in adult education, looking at Habermas' focus on reason and rationality, his theory of communicative action, and his recent work on civil society. Despite criticisms of his work, the depth and breadth of his theory has been useful in developing critical education discourses and in encouraging educators to place their work in broader social contexts, and to engage in reflective and critical analyses of their educational practices