Form and Formlessness

Abstract

The notions of ‘form’ and ‘formlessness’ provide two opening metaphors for the second chapter, where we dialogue between us, and with influential thinkers, about living, learning, education, formation and transformation in liquid modernity. Zygmunt Bauman’s concept of liquid modernity illuminates a globalized, competitive, capitalist consumerist culture of frightening instabilities and seductions, in which processes of self formation are difficult or even pathological. We are like hunters, desperate for the next kill of a new relationship, BMW, a Smartphone, or an educational product. Gregory Bateson, the anthropologist and systemic thinker, shares similar concerns but considers that the contemporary world offers diverse opportunities for new forms of learning to learn, and for associated transformations in consciousness. Self formation, and meaningful transformation, we suggest, are possible but require good enough relational space and new, holistic appreciation of the nature, purposes and boundaries of lifelong learning and adult education.