Absolutely our society is a consequence of a deficit in "intellectual craftsmanship"!
The modern school system teaches exactly the opposite of what you call intellectual craftsmanship. Judgment is a necessary part of the indoctrination system--the teacher determines, often subjectively, what material is "good" and "bad". Students are rewarded for that which is good and punished for that which is bad, instilling judgment right up into the subconscious...not to mention the pressure from the peer group to conform to socially accepted standards (frequently devoid of any real values). Judgment ingrained in the psyche of delicate young students continues to fester, leading to a judgmental society. Even "education" itself is seen as superior to the alternative; some individuals with higher degrees cling to the (biased) facts taught in school as if regurgitation of them equates to intelligence.
Thinking is NOT encouraged in modern schools. Children are programmed to color in the correct bubble on standardized tests so they will become obedient and subservient employees. We have an entire society of individuals operating not from value or honor; rather, they are simply following orders/doing as they are told.
While students are arguable taught the "rules" of the English language, true honest communication is discouraged. Again, there is powerful judgment and a system of reward and punishment associated with that which is considered appropriate or inappropriate. Students learn very quickly what will incur praise or criticism, and honest communication is censored accordingly. This breeds a whole society of individuals terrified of genuinely speaking up for themselves.
Have you heard of unschooling, 
Great post, thanks for encouraging real thought!
RE: The lost purpose of schooling: learning to dance with ideas, with words, and with the pen