The deliberate professional in the digital age: A manifesto in the tradition of critical theory and pedagogy

Abstract

The digital age has fundamentally transformed our being in the world. Being connected and making together are central orientations in every aspect of our life. The formation of our identity and our practices are increasingly dependent on global information flows. Based on the discourses of critical theory and pedagogy, this chapter discusses the importance of digital practices today. By using the example of digital activism it shows how important reflection, cooperation and networking for deliberate professionals in a digitally connected world are. It argues for the need to critically deliberate on actual conditions in every professional practice and understand what is probable, possible and impossible. Deliberation needs to play a central role in our present and future professional practices in the digital age.