Transformative and Empowering Education: Thiruvalluvar’s Vision of Learning in the Light of Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory

Abstract

Tirukkural articulates profound insights into education and learning that have deeply influenced Tamil philosophical and pedagogical thought. Thiruvalluvar’s verses encapsulate dimensions of several modern educational paradigms—behaviorism, cognitive learning, humanism, and social constructivism—underscoring the enduring relevance of his ideas. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis between Jack Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) and the metaphorical constructs employed by Thiruvalluvar in Chapters 40 to 43 of the Tirukkural, which focus on the nature, purpose, and process of learning. By situating Thiruvalluvar’s educational ideals within the framework of transformative learning, this study demonstrates how his conception of education emphasizes self-realization, critical reflection, and empowerment of the individual and by extension, the society. The findings highlight Tirukkural’s vision of learning as a transformative enterprise that promotes both cognitive advancement and social progress.