The Power of Critical Theory: Liberating Adult Learning and
Teaching By Stephen D. Brookfield Department of Language,
Literacy and Culture College of Education California State
University, San Bernardino How we think is…a matter of life and
death. Historian, Playwright, and Social Activist The quotation
above aptly captures the essence of The Power of Critical
Theory: Librating Adult Learning and Teaching by distinguished
professor Stephen Brookfield. Thinking and acting critically
within the context of adult or higher education is the major
premise of this book. As stated in the preface, a major
motivation for his book is to make explicit the connection
between theory and practice, while putting “critical back into
critical thinking.” To Brookfield, thinking critically extends
beyond cognitive or intellectual exercises, examining
assumptions or considering different perspectives. Criticality
involves seeing the world with a political lens, developing or
enhancing one’s social awareness, sense of morality and