Mezirow's Argumentative Analysis

The ability to think autonomously as well as an empowered skeptic is paramount in transformational learning. Seeking ways to think beyond the simple absorption and regurgitation of thinking as well as reflections within the context of ones personal beliefs encapsulate Mezirow’s (1991) “ thinking as an autonomous and responsible agent is essential for full citizenship in democracy and for moral decision making in situations of rapid change” (p.7). As autonomous thinkers, the challenge to responsibly recognize the learning goals and objectives are the primary pre tense of transformative learning as adults. Within the process Mezirow’s (1991) learning becomes an automatic process when achieving the final goal as freedom and self-governing or
Often these arguments are contextualized based on ones culture or traditions, the reflections will have a close perspectives based on their personal background. Conversational learning focuses on working with others in order to reach an understanding. One’s “ability to negotiate meanings and purposes instead of passively accepting the social realities defined by others” (Mezirow, 1991, p.96) creates a deeper understanding and ability to conceptualize both long-term and short-term
We create these metaphors to fit our current Weltanschauung (world view) as well as comparison to other elements in our life. Through our thinking these metaphors create additional connections. Metaphorical learning, according to Mezirow (1991) imagination works to create and complete metaphors, connecting what we know to be true in new experiences. Conversational and instrumental learning play a huge role in adult learning. Bateson explained by Mezirow (1991) as a focus on the domains in how we learn and how our pasts influence our learning experiences. Dialogue addresses the differences in understanding, which in return causes reflective thinking possibly causing one to reevaluate Weltanschauung. Accomplished through instrumental learning, ones ability to utilize hypotheses and prediction of changes and how it affects our lives create transformative learning