Harley-Davidson and Philosophy: Full-Throttle Aristotle (Popular Culture and Philosophy) [Paperback]

Bernard E. Rollin (Author), Bernard E. Rollin (Editor), Carolyn M. Gray (Editor), Kerri Mommer (Editor), Cynthia Pineo (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 9, 2006 | Series: Popular Culture and Philosophy

It’s no wonder descriptions of riding often resemble the words of Asian mystics and Jedi knights: The ride causes your senses to open completely. You experience only the present, the now. Readers who prefer revving a Harley to meditating in a Zen garden know that biking is just as contemplative as chanting in the lotus position. Here, philosopher-bikers explore this seeming dichotomy, expounding on intriguing questions such as: Why are the motorcycles the real stars of Easy Rider? What would Marx and Foucault say about Harley riders’ tight leather garb? What’s it like to live a dual life as a philosophy professor who wrenches his own 1965 Electra Glide? Would Jesus hang out in a biker bar or a coffeehouse? And more importantly, would He ride a Harley or a Honda? These witty, provocative essays give readers and riders a new appreciation of what it means to become one with the road.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Harley-Davidson and Philosophy: Full Throttle Aristotle provides great insight to the journey of the open road. -- Paul Teutul, Sr., American Chopper(Discovery Channel

In this collection of spirited essays, 14 riders explain what keeps them on their hogs. -- Sacramento Bee, January,2006

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Open Court (February 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081269595X
• ISBN-13: 978-0812695953
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,042,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brings the staid practice of philosophy to life, June 24, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harley-Davidson and Philosophy: Full-Throttle Aristotle (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

One doesn't usually associate bikers with philosophy - but here are twelve bikers who also happen to be philosophers to refute the image of the biker as uneducated or unthinking. In associating philosophy with recognizable, everyday concerns, HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND PHILOSOPHY: FULL-THROTTLE ARISTOTLE brings the staid practice of philosophy to life, joining others in the publisher's series to attract new generations to a practice often presented as a dry art of past thinkers.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Philosophy Major and Harley Rider Loves this Book, October 18, 2006

By 

R. Riddle (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harley-Davidson and Philosophy: Full-Throttle Aristotle (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

I was an undergraduate philosophy major with all of the earnestness and seriousness that implies. Years later, after getting my MBA, starting and running a successful business, and buying a Harley to ride, I came on this book. It reminded me of all of those seminal college conversations late into the night with girls I was trying to score with and to impress.(Usually the girls were not impressed!)

This book is fun because it does not take itself too seriously and is written by philosophers-riders who can relate the topic of philosophy to a motorcycle, especially a Harley. The book is funny, irreverent, and a little Monty Python-like. It helped me to remember all of those philosophical issues I had thought I'd forgotten over the years -- e.g., what is the best way to live one's life? -- and it started me thinking about philosophy while riding my Harley.

1.0 out of 5 stars Missed the target, February 23, 2012

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36 knuck - See all my reviews

This review is from: Harley-Davidson and Philosophy (Popular Culture and Philosophy) (Paperback)

I bought the book based on the title and the hope it would be what I was looking for. I was sorely disappointed. They missed the mark by a mile. Not one of these essays reflect the true meaning or spirituality that is riding a motorcycle.