Does adult education need a philosophy? Reflections about the function of adult learning in today's society

The paper proposes that the function and meaning of adult learning has significantly changed since the times the ‘founding fathers’ outlined a philosophical framework for adult education. And already for them the philosophy of conventional education never really seemed adequate. Likewise, a philosophy of adult education today — which is badly needed — can no longer be derived from the philosophy of conventional education, and must be elaborated from bottom-up, i.e. by understanding the meaning of learning for adult learners today as well as the function of adult learning in present society.