Leonard Cohen and Philosophy: Various Positions

Popular Culture and Philosophy #84

by Jason Holt (Editor)

From the early years, when he morphed from celebrated poet to provocative singer/songwriter, to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Leonard Cohen has endured as one of the most enigmatic and profound figures in all of popular music. With his uniquely compelling voice and unparalleled depth of artistic vision, the aesthetic quality and intellectual merit of Cohen’s work are above dispute; here, for the first time, a team of philosophers takes an in-depth look at its real significance.

Want to know what Cohen and Kierkegaard have in common? Or whether Cohen rivals the great philosophical pessimist Schopenhauer? Then this book is for you. It provides the first thorough analysis of Cohen from various (philosophical) positions. It is intended not only for Cohen fans but also undergraduates in philosophy and other areas. It explores important neglected aspects of Cohen’s work without attempting to reduce them to academic tropes, yet nonetheless it is also useful to academics - or anyone - beguiled by the enigma that is Leonard Cohen.

Genres: Philosophy, Music, Poetry, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2014

About the author

Jason Holt is a Canadian poet who lives in Nova Scotia and teaches at Acadia University. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy from Western University in 1998. His book The Nature of Consciousness was shortlisted for the 2005 CPA Book Prize. His interests include the history, poetry, and the philosophy of Sport—a topic he teaches at Acadia in the Kinesiology department.

Reviews

[Castles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the articles in this books are good, some are not. Some feel as if the author’s ideas are forced into cohen’s lyrics, and some arguments were simply straightforward stupid (the discussion whether Leonard Cohen is a good singer and whether his voice is musical enough, is an unbelievable childish and embarrassing argument to put in a book about Cohen). Most articles are based on the same songs and many ideas repeat themselves throughout the book. But still, it was worth reading just because the wonderful writing of Christopher Ketcham, who wrote an amazing piece with a lot of talent.

If you’re interested in philosophy and Leonard Cohen, you might find this book interesting, but if you really want to learn about Cohen himself, his biographies are a much better choice.

[Corey Herlevsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cohen is a universally recognized author, poet, lyricist, songwriter and singer. This work gives him his due as a philosopher and theologian in a way that is thoroughly engaging and accessible. Each essay illuminates and sheds either light or darkness on themes within Cohen's body of work, individual albums and particular songs.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's not for everyone, but there's a lot in it for the philosophically-minded.