This article's question is whether Spinoza understands the highest human perfection -- which he equates with both our highest good and the love of God -- as a theoretical state, consisting in having knowledge and the perfection of beliefs, or as a practical state, consisting in having virtue and the perfection of action. Consequently, the article…

This paper explores leadership learning of seven early career teachers who attended eight leadership for inclusion community of practice (LIn-CoP) workshops in the Republic of Ireland. A meta-model approach was used to inform this research drawing upon a community of practice approach using participatory action learning action research processes,…

Part Five of Spinoza's "Ethics" includes a notoriously challenging set of propositions about human perfection. Part of the difficulty in interpreting these elements of the work arises from neglecting important philosophical background for the relevant propositions, namely, medieval Jewish rationalism and Maimonides in particular. Spinoza…

This article develops the ideas of perfection and education in Spinoza and Maimonides. Both thinkers identify human perfection with intellectual knowledge and a transformation in affect. They accordingly envision education in terms of enhancing cognition and shaping the desire to know. The first steps are a critical evaluation of imagination and…

This dissertation explores the lived experience of transformation in mentor-coaches trained and certified through the Center for Mentoring, Coaching, and Leadership Development (CMCLD). The CMCLD describes its training as a transformational process in which mentor-coaches adopt a listening mindset that becomes a lifestyle change. This dissertation…

The article puts forward Theory U as a framework for developing a more holistic and embodied understanding and approach to the practice and conceptualization of transformative learning. It argues that Theory U's relational onto-epistemology, which emphasizes the collective nature of knowledge creation and transformation, provides a compelling…

This literature review paper aims to explore the current state of transformative learning theory in a global context by examining how scholars from different world regions understand, utilize, and develop transformative learning theory in their own contexts. Transformative learning theory has been a significant framework for investigating…

Purpose: Reflective practice (RP) is a key skill for developing one's professional practice. It has, however, not been unanimously prioritised in public health (PH) competency and education frameworks. Reflection activities are often unstructured in higher education. There is also a dearth of literature on the RPs of undergraduate PH students.…

In an appeal to establish transformative learning's (TL) boundaries, Kegan (2000) implored researchers to identify "what from transforms?" As a social psychologist, I am particularly drawn to theorists who identify the self as the form that transforms; however, I argue that a model of the self that specifies how it is represented in…

This phenomenological inquiry sought to answer the research question: How do the experiences of participating in professional development activities influence human resources leaders' personal and professional transformation? The framework of the study was transformative learning theory. Data were collected using semi-structured questions in…

Discussing issues around race and racism often leads to unproductive stances such as defensiveness, denial, guilt, blame, or dysfunctional silence. Effectively addressing these stances is crucial for productive debate and action toward racial understanding and the undoing of racism. While numerous scholarship and professional development programs…

Universities are increasingly working to better prepare students for success in the workforce and increasingly advocating high-impact learning experiences. This case study explores the short-term impacts on students who participated in a short-term service-learning study abroad program in Ireland through a lens of Transformative Learning Theory.…

This paper, grounded in Positioning Theory (Harré & Van Langenhove, 1999), investigates the intricate journey of graduate assistants from self-formation to transformation. Through examining the pivotal themes of social interaction, dynamic roles, workplace culture, and professional development, the paper reveals a nuanced interplay of factors…

If the received views on self-transformation in philosophical literature are correct, then either self-transformation (1) is caused by forces beyond oneself and beyond one's control, (2) is not rational to pursue, or (3) does not ever really happen. In this essay, James Gordon highlights the philosophical puzzle known as the…

Creative arts and performance courses at the community level for mature age individuals. Theatre and drama as education and as therapy. This article charts and reflects on several ACE arts-based courses and community theatre productions that have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the professional experiences of the teacher. Change for…