Description
Book SynopsisCraftsmanship provides an insight into an inherently human dimension of work resulting from our immersion in an occupation or profession. The present book illustrates and defines the vital, social, aesthetic, and ethical dimensions involved in craftsmanship, which rejects a dissociation between handwork and wit, or between action and thought. This also contrasts with the neglect contemporary psychology has shown toward craftsmanship and its reduction to mere ‘human factors.’ Drawing on artistry as an emblem, the present account conveys that skilful action can only be renewed in a cycle involving both the personal and the transgenerational.
There is little doubt in psychological and anthropological literature that the current global crises cannot be separated from social predicaments; namely, from the commodification of craftsmanship. In this book, the development of skilful action attests to a fundamental involvement required to sustainably perpetuate human endeavours. The role of expressivity in reappropriating technical activity is key in showing the continuous revaluation of our ethics and aesthetics of work, practice, and creation. The overall arc of the volume shows a movement from responsivity to responsibility. In short, if we are to reformulate our relationship to work and craft, we need to see through our responsibility in technique. The particularities of craftsmanship described here aim to contribute to such reformulation.
Table of Contents1 The vitality of skill1.1 Skill as sprezzatura
1.2 When did skilfull action lose its way in psychology?
1.3 Skill and expressivity
1.4 A note on the developmental character of skill
1.5 The path to follow
References
2 Physiognomy in motion
2.1 Form, repetition and variation
2.2
Motifs as promoters of cohesion in variation
2.3 The physiognomic character of perception
2.4 The intermodal organization of perception
2.5 The chiasma between affect and form-giving
2.6 From kinetics to kineasthetics
References
3 Expressivity and skill motifs
3.1 Expressivity
3.2 Stylistics
3.3 Reprises in skill
3.4 Apprenticeship motifs
References
4 Technical rhythms and harmonies
4.1 Eurhythmy in technique
4.2 Reprises in the study of techniques
4.3 The expressivity of musical instruments and luthiery
4.4 Eurythmic reticulates
4.5 The limits of expressivity and the lifecycle of techniques
References
5 Sprezzatura. Craftsmanship at work
5.1 Sprezzatura
5.2 Mistakes, play and leisure
5.3 The craftsperson and the community
5.4 Workmanship in light of craftmanship
5.5 Back to psychological issues
References
