Epistemic and Practical Dependence and the Value of Skills or: Satnavs, Good or Bad? (original) (raw)

2019

Abstract

In modern society each one of us incurs extensive dependence on others to obtain the outputs of skills that they possess, and oneself lacks-for epistemic skills, specialist knowledge; for practical skills, material outputs. But we each face choices over time as to which skills to seek to acquire oneself. I consider whether there is non-instrumental prudential normative reason for one to seek to acquire skills. I argue that there is an enjoyment-based case for each person to acquire the skills she would enjoy exercising, since the pleasure of exercising a particular skill is a distinct sui generis one, that cannot be obtained except through its exercise. I further argue that each one of us has some reason to ensure she is not skill-less, since possessing some skills is necessary for self-respect, which is necessary for leading a happy life. Finally, I suggest that there are certain abstract skill types that all have some reason to acquire, since they are necessary facilitating conditions for leading a happy life. Amongst these, I argue, are the skills needed to maintain a cognitive map of one's environment, and the ability to make one's way around in it. These are closely linked to autonomy, being in control of the progress of one's life, and hence to a happy human life.

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