Manifestation of Lifelong Learning as a Common Good

The core aspect of learning has evolved over time. Essence of lifelong learning is growing, which incorporates learning at all ages - from cradle to grave. It subsumes formal, non-formal and informal learning. Lifelong learning is seen as an imbued and imbibed aspect of our lives, as well as that which is focused on self-growth. The implication of this is that an explicit reference to schooling or education is no longer the prerogative of an elite person. Lifelong learning is regarded as an investment for, through and of life. In ordinary parlance, ‘common good’ refers to the different facilities which may be material, cultural or institutional that the members of a community provide, to all other members for fulfilling a relational obligation pertaining to interests that the members have in common. The term itself may refer either to the common interests of the members, or the facilities which serve common interests. The common good is therefore an important concept in political philosophy, as it plays a central role in developing reflections about the public and private dimensions of social life. This article reviews the literature and analyses various points of agreement among the traditional connotations of the common good. It further delves into the possibilities of establishing and reframing lifelong learning as a common good.