Really interesting talk, especially his points in the end on the inherent relationship between craftsmanship and open source software, and the antithetical relationship between craftsmanship and closed source. I have to say these points feel even more relevant today.
However, even though I think Sennett is right saying that the drive to constantly release new features go against core ideas of craftsmanship, I think he underestimates the productive forces that cause this behaviour. For example, he argues that the reduced craft-aspect of programming today isn't necessarily because craftsmanship is less productive. While I agree in that the quality of production would be higher in a more craftsmanlike paradigm, but that the release of "more stuff", more features, new programs etc, would be lower. I don't think it comes down to 18th century ideas that we've ingerited. As long as the productive forces reward high quantities of new and shiny features then we will continue to receive software like Windows 10.
lensecat•1h ago
However, even though I think Sennett is right saying that the drive to constantly release new features go against core ideas of craftsmanship, I think he underestimates the productive forces that cause this behaviour. For example, he argues that the reduced craft-aspect of programming today isn't necessarily because craftsmanship is less productive. While I agree in that the quality of production would be higher in a more craftsmanlike paradigm, but that the release of "more stuff", more features, new programs etc, would be lower. I don't think it comes down to 18th century ideas that we've ingerited. As long as the productive forces reward high quantities of new and shiny features then we will continue to receive software like Windows 10.