Shop Class as Soulcraft. Book Summary

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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.