According to Borgmann, a spigot is considered a device; whereas, a well is considered to be a thing. A spigot can be seen as a device because it does not require any outside thought or knowledge in order to procure the water from it. A person using a spigot simply turns the knob and water flows out. A well, on the other hand, requires a process and outside knowledge in order for the user to receive the desired outcome, which would be water in this case. The actual process of someone finding water in the ground, digging a well, using a bucket to get water, and having to stand there and actually do something in order to get the water, all set the well aside as being an actual thing versus a device. Once again, a spigot doesn't even require any energy for its use. A well can also act as a social center where people gather to get water and to talk with a neighbor. A spigot is not thought of as any type of center; in fact, it's rarely even given any thought. Most people have a spigot somewhere in their yard even.
Borgmann presents himself as having a case of nostalgia; however, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Technology does make our lives easier, but it seems to be making us lazier, less knowledgeable, and isolated from other people. Borgmann seems to be missing the days when hard work was admired and neighbors actually talked to each other. Who can blame him for feeling this way?
Emily Linneman :)
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