Leonard Cohen and Philosophy: Various Positions (Popular Culture and Philosophy Book 84)

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—with a uniquely compelling voice and unparalleled depth of artistic vision—in all of popular music. 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 will also be useful to academics—or anyone—beguiled by the enigma that is Leonard Cohen. 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—with a uniquely compelling voice and unparalleled depth of artistic vision—in all of popular music. 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 will also be useful to academics—or anyone—beguiled by the enigma that is Leonard Cohen. Contents Acknowledgments The Pop Star-Poet Paradox I. SONGS OF EXISTENCE 1. Leonard Cohen as a Guide to Life 2. The Existential Cohen 3. Why Cohen's Our Man 4. The End of the World and Other Times in The Future II. SONGS OF BEAUTY 5. Is Leonard Cohen a Good Singer? 6. Covering Cohen 7. Leonard and Lorca III. SONGS OF LOVE 8. Irony as Seduction 9. The Mystery of the Mirror 11. Hallelujah and Atonement IV. SONGS OF LITERATURE 12. Politics in Beautiful Losers 13. Writing Poetry after Auschwitz 14. Doom and Gloom in a Cloistered Room V. SONGS FROM A MIND 15. Dear Heather in a Dark Space 16. Can You Touch Someone's Body with Your Mind? 17. Is a Tear an Intellectual Thing? VI. SONGS OF RELIGION 18. The Prophetic Mr. Cohen 19. Clouds of Unknowing References Our Hands Bloody with Commas Index