The World Beyond Your Head

Discuss the role of skilled practices in shaping individual autonomy, according to Crawford. How do they contrast with more passive forms of engagement?

Crawford critiques modern technology’s impact on human cognition and interaction. Evaluate his arguments by comparing them with other contemporary thinkers.

Analyze Crawford’s use of the term “social engineering” within the context of contemporary marketing and technology. What are the ethical implications?

Discuss the implications of Crawford’s argument that attention is a scarce and valuable resource in the modern attentional economy.

How does Crawford’s perspective on skilled labor and craftsmanship offer a critique of modern educational and economic systems? To what extent do you agree with his views and why?

Evaluate the relationship between consumer culture and personal freedom as portrayed in Crawford’s analysis.

How does Crawford integrate the ideas of Kant regarding autonomy with the challenges posed by contemporary technology? What solutions does he suggest for preserving autonomy?

Crawford often contrasts the tactile, physical technologies of the past with the virtual technologies of today. What does he see as the implications of this shift for human skill and attention?