The Learning Challenge of the Knowledge Economy

Book excerpt: This book introduces a new perspective on the knowledge economy and the learning challenge it presents for individuals, communities and societies. It demonstrates that the debate about the role of knowledge in the economy has been framed in terms of Cartesian notions of objective and subjective knowledge and human capital notions that the aim of learning is to support people to adapt to a pre-given economic reality. The book argues that these framings rest on questionable assumptions about knowledge and learning and, in the process, deflect us from asking questions about our future economic, political and social direction. Taking ideas from Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), Social Theory and the Philosophy of Mind as its starting point, the book rethinks the relation between knowledge, learning and human activity. It explores this rethinking through the form of learning—Professional, Vocational and Workplace—most closely associated with the use of knowledge for economic, political and social purposes.