This book is the author's attempt to put the "critical" back into critical thinking by emphasizing that it is an inherently political process. The book presents powerful arguments for the importance of critical theory in fostering the kind of learning that leads to a truly democratic society, and it explores a number of tasks for adult learners including learning to challenge ideology, contest hegemony, unmask power, overcome alienation, learn liberation, reclaim reason, and practice democracy. Following a preface, this book is organized into the following 12 chapters: (1) Exploring the Meaning of Critical Theory for Adult Learning; (2) The Learning Tasks of Critical Theory; (3) Challenging Ideology; (4) Contesting Hegemony; (5) Unmasking Power; (6) Overcoming Alienation; (7) Learning Liberation; (8) Reclaiming Reason; (9) Learning Democracy; (10) Racializing Criticality; (11) Gendering Criticality; and (12) Teaching Criticality. This book concludes with: (1) References; (2) Name Index; and (3) Subject Index.