The Grateful Dead and Philosophy (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

~ Steve Gimbel (Editor) "There was nothing like selling tie-dyed t-shirts in the parking lot..." (more)
Key Phrases: deadhead community, ten roses, wharf rat, New York, Jerry Garcia, August West (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Grateful Dead and Philosophy contains essays from 20 professional philosophers whose love of the Dead's music and scene have led them to reflect on different philosophical questions that have arisen from the enigma that is the Grateful Dead. Coming at the Dead from a variety of perspectives, ancient and modern, Eastern and Western, this book considers how the group fits into the broader trends of American thought running through pragmatism and the Beat poets. There's a pertinent analysis of how the parking lot scene with its tie-dyed t-shirt and veggie burrito vendors was both a rejection and embrace of capitalism, and much more. The lyrics of the Grateful Dead’s many songs are also the basis for several essays considering questions of fate and freedom, the nature-nurture debate, and gamblers’ ethics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Open Court (May 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812696239
• ISBN-13: 978-0812696233
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #186,755 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars deeply disappointing, July 1, 2007

By	abcde (ny) - See all my reviews

The title of this book carries great promise. Indeed, one would think that it would intellectually stimulate any Deadhead. Nevertheless, the book fully fails to satisfy. First, prospective readers should know that the book is #28 in a series of books with similar names -- all are entitled, "_____ and Philosophy." The series includes such books as "Seinfeld and Philosophy" and "The Simpsons and Philosophy." Thus, the book was not premised on any singular belief that the Dead's music or lyrics bear a unique or even special relation to philosophy. It is therefore not surprising that the reader quickly infers that the driving force behind the book simply asked a bunch of Deadhead philosophy professors to somehow try to link the Dead's music to known philosophies. And, the strain of attempting to create such links is apparent in almost every essay published in the book. Surely in many instances these writers simply concoct links and substantial meaning where these do not exist and were not even intended by the Dead (or by contributing lyricist R. Hunter). For sure, the Dead's music is marvelous and heady -- but their body of work was, quite clearly, more artistic and cultural than "philosophical." This book, however well intentioned, cannot overcome its fatally flawed premise and is neither credible nor engaging. Don't be tempted.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thinkingman's Dead!, June 14, 2007

By	L. C. Renbaum (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a wonderful collection of essays from ACTUAL American philosophers and professors who share a loose common bond that is stronger than dirt - they are all Deadheads. Every angle is discussed, from the social contract and economics of the tie-dye sellers in the parking lot to philosophical underpinnings of August West. There is something here for everyone who grew up a Deadhead and longs for those late night dorm-room inspirations ("Dude, WE'RE the cats who are under the stars!") except this time, they make sense, have extensively sourced quotes, and even a couple of footnotes. And this is the real thing - the authors all have deep knowledge of both their philosophical fields, and membership the unique community of Deadheads. One could say there is no overarching GD philosophy, and this book doesn't attempt to posit one. Rather, just as there are a hundred interpretations of Terrapin, this book contains dozens of reflections on the life and times of the Dead, their music, and their legion of fans. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any Deadhead who sought meaning in the scene and the tunes... and I think that's all of us, really. Makes a great gift! [ethical disclosure: I grew up with the book's editor and took him to his first, and several other shows, so I know he's cool.]

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It'll Make You Think., July 26, 2007

By	Ken Herrick - See all my reviews

There are some very well written chapters in here and some I could have done without but I should think that most people will feel the same. Most likely not about the same chapters but isn't that part of philosophy?
Several of the writers give email addresses where you may get in touch with them & like me, you may want to just to say "but didn't you know?".
Not a quick read, but it should give you a thing or two to think about.