Intellectual Craftsmen


Book Description

Weiland highlights the master trends in the American experience by the master reporters of those trends. Intellectual Craftsmen covers the best writers in the social sciences from 1935 to 1991. Included are essays on John Dollard in social psychology; C. Wright Mills's version of historical sociology; David Riesman and the element of social criticism; Margaret Mead and the search for an anthropological method.




The Craftsman


Book Description

Why do people work hard, and take pride in what they do? This book, a philosophically-minded enquiry into practical activity of many different kinds past and present, is about what happens when people try to do a good job. It asks us to think about the true meaning of skill in the 'skills society' and argues that pure competition is a poor way to achieve quality work. Sennett suggests, instead, that there is a craftsman in every human being, which can sometimes be enormously motivating and inspiring - and can also in other circumstances make individuals obsessive and frustrated. The Craftsman shows how history has drawn fault-lines between craftsman and artist, maker and user, technique and expression, practice and theory, and that individuals' pride in their work, as well as modern society in general, suffers from these historical divisions. But the past lives of crafts and craftsmen show us ways of working (using tools, acquiring skills, thinking about materials) which provide rewarding alternative ways for people to utilise their talents. We need to recognise this if motivations are to be understood and lives made as fulfilling as possible.




Urban Craftsmen and Traders in the Roman World


Book Description

This volume, featuring sixteen contributions from leading Roman historians and archaeologists, sheds new light on approaches to the economic history of urban craftsmen and traders in the Roman world, with a particular emphasis on the imperial period. Combining a wide range of research traditions from all over Europe and utilizing evidence from Italy, the western provinces, and the Greek-speaking east, this edited collection is divided into four sections. It first considers the scholarly history of Roman crafts and trade in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, focusing on Germany and the Anglo-Saxon world, and on Italy and France. Chapters discuss how scholarly thinking about Roman craftsmen and traders was influenced by historical and intellectual developments in the modern world, and how different (national) research traditions followed different trajectories throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The second section highlights the economic strategies of craftsmen and traders, examining strategies of long-distance traders and the phenomenon of specialization, and presenting case studies of leather-working and bread-baking. In the third section, the human factor in urban crafts and trade-including the role of apprenticeship, gender, freedmen, and professional associations-is analysed, and the volume ends by exploring the position of crafts in urban space, considering the evidence for artisanal clustering in the archaeological and papyrological record, and providing case studies of the development of commercial landscapes at Aquincum on the Danube and at Sagalassos in Pisidia.




Endnotes


Book Description

In the summer of 1996, Ruth Ray, a gerontologist in her forties, befriended an eighty-two-year-old man suffering from Parkinson's. The two remained close until the end of his life, sharing stories and memories while building a deep relationship. Part memoir, part biography, Endnotes explores how people construct meaning through their interactions with others. With grace and wit, Ray situates her friend's past experiences and present relationships within the theories and literature of gerontology, providing a deeper understanding of autonomy at the end of life. She also delves into the complexities of sexuality and intimacy in old age, communication across disabilities and age groups, the disabling nature of nursing homes, and the trials of death and dying. Writing as both a woman and a gerontologist, Ray finds that the "quality of care" we provide for others requires not only an understanding of the relationships that have given a person's life meaning but also a willingness to accept and share deeply in the emotional process of physical and mental decline.




Future Craftsmanship


Book Description

Revolutionising Traditions: A New Dawn in Craftsmanship In an era where the digital and physical realms converge, Future Craftsmanship: Millennials & Gen Z in the Trades emerges as a beacon of innovation and sustainable practice. This compelling read not only pays homage to the rich heritage of craftsmanship but also propels it into the contemporary world, blending the age-old traditions with the limitless possibilities of the digital age. The transformation of craftsmanship unfolds through the eyes of the most dynamic generations yet - Millennials and Gen Z. These pioneers are redefining what it means to be craftsmen and women in the 21st century, challenging stereotypes, and breaking down the barriers of entry to these trades. This book deciphers their language, their aspirations, and their unique approach to craftsmanship, offering insights into how these generations are not just conserving traditions but are also the keystones to innovation within the trades. From the revival of apprenticeships to the embrace of sustainable practices, Future Craftsmanship delves deep into the heart of how technology is being integrated into handicrafts. Discover how 3D printing and virtual reality are not mere tools for these artisans but extensions of their creativity. Marvel at the redefinition of learning, with trade schools and online platforms offering new pathways to mastery. The narrative does not shy away from the challenges faced by these young craftsmen and women - from the economics of their trade in the digital era to the necessity of navigating bureaucracy and advocating for change. Yet, it is also a story of hope and resilience, highlighting groundbreaking case studies where innovation meets tradition. Embrace a journey of discovery and inspiration, where the digital artisan emerges, where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a practice, and where the global community of craftsmen and women share in the vision of a future where quality trumps quantity, and creativity knows no bounds. Future Craftsmanship is not just a book; it's a manifesto for the new age of artisans. Whether you're a budding artisan, a seasoned craftsman, or simply someone fascinated by the intersection of tradition and innovation, this book promises to engage, enlighten, and inspire you. The future of craftsmanship is bright, and it belongs to us all. Let's craft it together.




Artisanal Enlightenment


Book Description

A groundbreaking work that places the mechanical arts and the world of making at the heart of the Enlightenment What would the Enlightenment look like from the perspective of artistes, the learned artisans with esprit, who presented themselves in contrast to philosophers, savants, and routine-bound craftsmen? Making a radical change of historical protagonists, Paola Bertucci places the mechanical arts and the world of making at the heart of the Enlightenment. At a time of great colonial, commercial, and imperial concerns, artistes planned encyclopedic projects and sought an official role in the administration of the French state. The Société des Arts, which they envisioned as a state institution that would foster France’s colonial and economic expansion, was the most ambitious expression of their collective aspirations. Artisanal Enlightenment provides the first in-depth study of the Société, and demonstrates its legacy in scientific programs, academies, and the making of Diderot and D’Alembert’s Encyclopédie. Through insightful analysis of textual, visual, and material sources, Bertucci provides a groundbreaking perspective on the politics of writing on the mechanical arts and the development of key Enlightenment concepts such as improvement, utility, and progress.




Hegel and the Freedom of Moderns


Book Description

DIVTranslated into English for the first time, this work portrays a different side of Hegel -- not just as a philosopher preoccupied with abstract ideas but a man deeply enmeshed and active in the pressing, concrete political issues of his time./div




The Intelligent Hand


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The Craftsman


Book Description




The Promise of Sociology


Book Description

"This is a lovely, highly focused, and interesting way to introduce students to sociology. The book will both challenge and be of great interest to introductory sociology students." - George Ritzer, University of Maryland