10/19/14

“however, automaticity in the sense of effortless performance of a task is usually associated with a sense of loss of agency or loss of self-a feeling of being immersed in, rather than causing, the act (Malafouris, 224)”.

The word automaticity presents certain ethical implications that can be easily reviewed through examination of intensified industrial labor. Relinquishing the ability to be subconsciously aware of the mental and physical effort being exerted during the crafting of a product allows there to be acute separation between the crafter and the craft itself. There is no connection with the product being produced, repetition and uniformity appear most crucial in maximizing output. Immersing one’s self entirely with the task of producing/creating, while at the same time relinquishing a thought process entirely, innately rejects all senses of agency. Automaticity is easily deployed upon the fatigued mindset of wage labor forces in an inherently criminal way and this appears to me as the biggest detriment of the human capability. However, repetition and subconscious control of performing a skill established action while achieving a mental state of thoughtlessness can indefinitely be used to a creative advantage. Becoming intentionally immersed in the physical performing process of self-creation/innovation can feel quite empowering and motivational to me personally. Is the achievement of automaticity ultimately viable to human cognitive progression through creative development?