[Cathy Porter]Bob Dylan and Philosophy (Popular Culture and Philosophy)(epub){Zzzzz}

The legions of Bob Dylan fans know that Dylan is not just a great composer, writer, and performer, but a great thinker as well. In "Bob Dylan and Philosophy, eighteen philosophers analyze Dylan's ethical positions, political commitments, views on gender and sexuality, and his complicated and controversial attitudes toward religion. All phases of Dylan's output are covered, from his early acoustic folk ballads and anthem-like protest songs to his controversial switch to electric guitar to his sometimes puzzling, often profound music of the 1970s and beyond. The book examines different aspects of Dylan's creative thought through a philosophical lens, including personal identity, negative and positive freedom, enlightenment and postmodernism in his social criticism, and the morality of bootlegging. An engaging introduction to deep philosophical truths, the book provides Dylan fans with an opportunity to learn about philosophy while impressing fans of philosophy with the deeper implications of his intellectual achievements.

Publisher: Open Court Publishing Co ,U.S. (16 December 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0812695925
ISBN-13: 978-0812695922

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

One of the better books of this series 24 February 2006
By M Fendrich -
I have read several of the "Popular Culture and Philosophy" series and this is one of the better ones. That may be because I have been a fan of "all things Dylan" for more years than I care to remember. The chapters are well written and researched and are on topics that actually pertain to Dylan as these writers muse on Dylan's lyrics, writings and statements over the years. The fact that Dylan has changed over the years (maturing as an artist and human being) is readily noted in the book with the attendant fact that this makes it very hard to pin Dylan down on any particular philosophical system. Of course, not being able to "pin him down" is Dylanesque.

Much has been written about Bob Dylan over the years, some good, some horrible. This book would be a good addition to anyone that seriously considers the content and meaning of Dylan's poetry, that is until Bob gives us a philosophy textbook of his lyrics himself.

Incisive and Intelligent 15 November 2007
By Alfons C. Salellas Bosch -
This is a good book if your goal is to think about Dylan's oeuvre and/or from his lyrics. If you're looking for an eulogistic volume, escape this one. The book as a whole is very clear in its purpose, all the essays included in it are interesting. From ethics to metaphysics, through aesthetics, Bob Dylan and Philosophy (50% of Dylan, 50% of philosophy, which is really good) is also a nice teacher ressource. Finally, if you like Bob Dylan's work and you like reading philosophy, yes: this is your book. I enjoyed very much.

fascinating 6 July 2006
By jeg -
highly recomended for any serious Dylan fan. book is easy to read and well worth it. there are some briliant insights that i have never read anywhere else.