In this study of the main conceptual and normative issues to which the education of the adult gives rise, the author demonstrates that these issues can be understood and resolved only by coming to grips with some of the central and most contentious questions in epistemology, philosophy of mind, ethics, and social philosophy.  A salient feature of the book is its searching examination of the different types of value judgement by which all educational discourse is permeated. The analysis of the nature and justification of educational judgements forms the basis of an overall philosophy of adult education which should provide a much needed axiological framework for the guidance of practitioners in this growing area of educational concern.