Exercise: I will describe to you a situation or thought. Once you have had a minute to think, I will tell you to begin and you will start what is called free writing. Free writing is where you write for the duration of the exercise, such as 5 minutes, and you do not stop writing. The pen never stops... even if you have to continue writing "I have nothing to write" for 5 minutes, you keep writing. Though, hopefully you will write on the topic at hand. It is important that you do not stop. Simply write what comes to mind.
Scenario: Think about one aspect of your life where you engage with the need to maintain something on a continuous basis. Think about what this is. How often you maintain something doesn't matter as much as that it is continuous. Example: Social network websites. These take regular maintenance and require your attention and participation. However, I want you to think about something material, physical, that requires your attention... as a thing as opposed to a device. We spoke about technology and being technical in the previous session. Think of technology as the materiality of the object and think of being technical as the process.
Borgmann quote: The stereo as a device contrasts with the instrument as a thing. A thing, in the sense which I want to use the term, has an intelligible and accessible character and calls forth skilled and active human engagement. A thing requires practice while a device invites consumption. Things constitute commanding reality, devices procure disposable reality.
- What is this thing or process? What are the parts or components?
- What does it do for you? Do you like this thing or process?
- What is your relationship to this material thing?
- What other people are attached to this thing?
- How did you learn how to take care of this thing ?
Each bullet is a different 5 minute writing block, followed by a 5 minute discussion.
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