Bob Dylan and Philosophy: It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Thinking) (Popular Culture and Philosophy) [Paperback]

Peter Vernezze (Editor), Carl Porter (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Popular Culture and Philosophy | Publication Date: December 16, 2005

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 225 pages
• Publisher: Open Court (December 16, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812695925
• ISBN-13: 978-0812695922
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #722,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the better books of this series, February 24, 2006

By 

M Fendrich "sola fide" (Mt. Vernon, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bob Dylan and Philosophy: It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Thinking) (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun stimulating pastiche, October 8, 2006

By 

EHinLA (Pasadena,CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bob Dylan and Philosophy: It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Thinking) (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

I picked this book up on a whim - interesting title, attractive cover - and I skimmed a bit in the library. I am glad I took it home. I think you are likely to be a bit disapointed if you are looking for a book about Bob Dylan - and certainly there are plenty of others to choose from. As the Introduction to the book says, Dylan's work is used as a starting off point to look, with a philosophical perspective, at various themes in Dylan's work as a way of introducing philosphical concepts and methods to a broader audience. I don't get the impression that the idea is to be definitive, rather these generally easy to read essays are thought provoking and a rather fun way to learn about philosophy. While I have read all of the Platonic dialogues, I do not know very much about current trends in philosophy. I have particularly enjoyed the material in this book which touches on Post Modern philosophy, specifically as it relates to the Enlightenment ideals. There are a number of authors and sources which I plan to have a closer look at. In this way, as a fun introduction to what can only be described as a frequently stodgy subject (at least in its academic form) I highly recommend this book. You may not agree with all of the opinions expressed within, but they are nevetheless quite stimulating. After all, it is still fun to think - isn't it? ;) And what better excuse do you need to dust off some of your old Dylan LP's and give them another spin? Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Incisive and Intelligent, November 14, 2007

By 

Alfons C. Salellas Bosch (Barcelona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bob Dylan and Philosophy: It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Thinking) (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

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.