The World Beyond Your Head

Crawford discusses the inherently social nature of human perception and knowledge. He explains that our interactions and skills are deeply influenced by the presence and actions of others, which shapes the way we understand and engage with the world. Crawford uses the concept of “affordances,” which refers to the possibilities for action provided by the environment, to illustrate how our cultural and physical environments shape our perceptions and interactions.

Crawford emphasizes that our skills and how we perceive objects, like chopsticks in different cultural settings, are not merely individual abilities but embedded within a network of social practices and norms. He argues that this social context conditions our immediate perception, which challenges the traditional empiricist view that perceptions are direct and unmediated responses to sensory stimuli.

Further exploring the theme of social embeddedness in knowledge acquisition, Crawford delves into the developmental psychology concept of “joint attention,” where infants learn to focus on an object together with a caregiver, which forms the basis for shared understanding and communication. This social interaction is crucial for the development of language and for establishing a common ground of shared reality.

Moreover, Crawford critiques the traditional Cartesian and empiricist epistemologies, which emphasize individualistic and detached understanding, proposing instead that our cognitive and perceptual capabilities are fundamentally social and interactive. He points out that this social nature of perception and cognition has practical implications, such as in the legal system where the reliability of eyewitness testimony is overestimated.

The chapter concludes by considering the implications of this socially embedded nature of knowledge for the concept of individuality. Crawford suggests that individuality is not a solitary attribute but something that is achieved through and with the participation of others. He argues that recognizing the social basis of our cognitive processes can help us better understand and appreciate the role of community and shared practices in shaping who we are and how we think.

The author explores the concept of individuality and self-knowledge through the lens of societal interactions and economic exchanges. Crawford critiques the modern obsession with “inner work” and self-discovery, suggesting that such pursuits can often lead to self-delusion unless they are validated externally by others.

He references Hegel’s philosophy, which posits that true self-knowledge and individuality are achieved not in isolation but through our deeds and the social context in which they are received. Crawford emphasizes that our actions need to resonate with others to truly define ourselves, aligning with Hegel’s view that “you have not executed an intention successfully unless others attribute to you the deed and intention you attribute to yourself” (153). Crawford draws parallels between economic transactions and ethical self-assessment, using the example of a motorcycle mechanic who grapples with the challenge of justifying his labor and its value to a customer. This confrontation, Crawford argues, is where individuality can be not just revealed but forged, highlighting the importance of external validation in shaping our self-concept and ethical stance in the world.

Moreover, Crawford discusses the challenges faced by individuals who seek validation in societies where economic values may distort self-perception. Crawford explains how the prevailing political economy can lead to uneven recognition and compensation across different professions, influencing personal self-regard and societal value judgments. This external validation, or lack thereof, can affect individuals’ self-understanding and their ability to see their own values clearly. Crawford illustrates this through the example of a university student who feels a genuine calling toward craftsmanship, like building houses, rather than pursuing a socially endorsed career, such as investment banking. Despite personal inclinations, societal expectations and the dominant economic narrative often steer individuals away from less recognized but personally fulfilling careers.

Crawford then delves into Hegel’s philosophy, suggesting that in a well-adjusted society, individual actions are recognized and validated within a public framework, which is essential for genuine agency. However, he questions this framework’s capacity to accommodate dissent and individuality, pointing out its tendency toward conformity. In times of cultural or economic instability, Crawford sees practical skills and craftsmanship as crucial for maintaining individual agency and mutual intelligibility of actions, as these do not rely heavily on unstable societal norms.

Lastly, Crawford touches on the concept of recognition, arguing that true recognition comes from peers within a community of practice rather than a broad, undifferentiated public. This type of recognition respects the excellence of an individual’s work, distinguishing it from the generalized evaluations typical of market dynamics. He stresses that skilled practices provide a platform for individuals to express and differentiate themselves, as he advocates for a societal structure that supports and recognizes diverse forms of human excellence beyond mere economic contribution. Crawford concludes by warning against the “deskillment” prevalent in modern economies, which he believes undermines both individuality and the spectrum of human possibilities.