Affordances and the Nature of Agency

Affordances refer to the opportunities for action that the environment provides, which depend on the relationship between an individual and their surroundings. This theory posits that true agency is developed through practical engagements, as illustrated by the contrast between a narcissistic individual who perceives objects merely as extensions of their ego and a skilled repairman who must engage deeply with the reality of the objects he interacts with. The discussion also points to how our skills and interests shape our perceptions, showing that our environment influences our actions and abilities. Moreover, the example of innovative traffic engineering that reduces hazards highlights the potential benefits of embracing risk through improved interactions with our environments.