Matthew B. Crawford
What’s inside
Shop Class as Soulcraft’ is a philosophical exploration of the nature and ethics of manual work versus knowledge work in modern society. The author, Matthew B. Crawford, argues for the intrinsic value of hands-on work, drawing on his own experience as a motorcycle mechanic and electrician, as well as examples from various trades. Crawford discusses how manual work can provide a sense of agency and satisfaction that is often missing in more abstract, office-based professions. He delves into the history of skilled labor and its decline in the face of consumerism and a college-for-all mentality.
You’ll Learn
- Deepens appreciation for the skilled trades
- Provokes thoughts on the nature of work and fulfillment
- Encourages reconsideration of career and education choices
- Offers a philosophical perspective on the value of practical skills in modern society
Key Points
- Redefining the value of manual work
- The decline of skilled labor
- Contrasts between manual and intellectual work
- The ethics of craftsmanship
- Education’s role in work values
- Consumerism’s impact on trade skills
- Personal fulfillment through hands-on work
Who’s it For
- Manual laborers
- Philosophy enthusiasts
- Craftsmen
- Trade workers
- Educators
- Policy makers
- Students contemplating career paths
About the author
Matthew B. Crawford is a writer, philosopher, and mechanic. With a Ph.D. in political philosophy from the University of Chicago, Crawford offers a unique perspective that blends academic insight with real-world experience. His writings often challenge prevailing notions about work, technology, and culture.