Explains, compares, and critiques the theories of knowledge offered by P. H. Hirst(1974) and S. Korner (1970). Concludes that the structure of knowledge presented in these theories provides valuable support for the goals of liberal education. (JDH)

A sign of a loss of vision in adult education is disuse of the term liberal education and increasing use of the term continuous education. Mandated accreditation of adult-education courses runs counter to the tradition of liberal adult education, which is a matter of intrinsic value, not external evaluation. (SK)

This article by the Council of Europe includes extracts from a letter sent to all universities in 1981 by the British University Grants Committee. The committee suggests ways to reshape arts, science, medicine, and part-time and continuing education within the financial constraints determined by the government. (AM)

Various kinds of philosophical instruction in England and Europe since the middle ages are reviewed. It is noted that the search for the common element behind modern philosophy curricula leads back into history, and that modern philosophy as a discipline incorporates its earlier institutional forms. (LBH)

The current involvement of British universities in continuing education is reviewed, and recent developments in liberal, professional, and vocational education are discussed. Obstacles to integrating continuing education into the mainstream of university activities are examined, and some suggestions for future direction are proposed. (MSE)

Traditionally, liberal adult education in Britain has been premised on nonaccreditation. However, political influences, the thrust of work force development, and student demand are pressuring reconsideration of accreditation. (SK)

Includes three articles: "Lost Horizons" (Hutchinson, Hutchinson); "Liberal Adult Education: A Note from the Epicentre" (Duke); and "University Liberal Education: A 'Great Tradition'?" (Taylor). (SK)

IN SIR THOMAS MORE'S "UTOPIA," UNIVERSAL ADULT EDUCATION IS PART OF A SOCIAL IDEA, AND LABOR AND EDUCATION ARE THE MORAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. WHILE THE STORY OF UTOPIA IS BASED ON CONTRASTS BETWEEN THE EXISTING SOCIETY AND AN IDEAL COMMONWEALTH, IT IS LINKED TO REALITY BY RESEMBLANCES BETWEEN THE CULTURAL PURSUITS OF ADULTS IN…

The problems of traditional overspecialization in British universities and current efforts to liberalize the curriculum are discussed in the context of the historical development of the university and curriculum structure. (MSE)

A total of 26,495 continuing education courses were provided by British universities in 1989-90--52 percent postgraduate (PG) and 48 percent liberal adult education (LAE). Over 53 percent were offered by an adult or continuing education department. LAE courses were typically one to two hours per week, dominated by the humanities. PG focused on…

Competency-based models such as Britain's National Vocational Qualifications should not be adopted for adult education professional development. The values underlying competency models are incompatible with the values of reflective practice, such as ownership of curriculum and entitlement to lifelong learning. (SK)

The program of Fircroft College, a one-year residential course in liberal education for adults who are already experienced in work and community leadership, is described. About one-quarter of the 50 students are foreign. Fircroft neither requires nor grants formal academic qualifications; it cultivates equally intellectual thought and experience…