“manual competence” are of great interest to Crawford. In his book, he argues that “the experience of making things and fixing things” is essential to our well-being, to our flourishing (to use his word), and that something happens “when such experiences recede from our common life.” He quotes the philosopher Albert Borgmann, who makes the distinction between “things” and “devices.” Things are objects we master; devices are objects that do the work for us. “The stereo as a device contrasts with the instrument as a thing,” Borgmann writes. “A thing requires practice while a device invites
...more
