Orientamenti teorici nell’educazione degli adulti: uno sguardo critico

Abstract

This article discusses the theoretical foundations of adult education. The analysis focuses on main philosophies, recent developments and current trends in this field. The article gives evidence of the shift from the philosophical epistemology of adult education to psychological approaches for adult learning, increasing guidelines and directions while reducing reflective and systematic function. In addition to acknowledging that this transformation is connected to the global society in its cultural, social and economical facets, it is necessary to reflect on the epistemological function of the theory in terms of a conceptual and practical framework.
This shift implies consequences for the identity of the discipline and for the effectiveness of adult education.