Hamilton and Philosophy: Revolutionary Thinking

Popular Culture and Philosophy #110

by Aaron Rabinowitz (Editor), Robert Arp (Editor)

In Hamilton and Philosophy , professional thinkers expose, examine, and ponder the deep and controversial implications of this runaway hit Broadway musical.
       One cluster of questions relates to the matter of historical accuracy in relation to entertainment. To what extent is Hamilton genuine history, or is it more a reflection of America today than in the eighteenth century? What happens when history becomes dramatic art, and is some falsification of history unavoidable? One point of view is that the real Alexander Hamilton was an outsider, and any objective approach to Hamilton has to be that of an outsider. Politics always involves a debate over who is on the margins and who is allowed into the center.
       Then there is the question of emphasizing Hamilton’s revolutionary aspect, when he was autocratic and not truly democratic. But this can be defended as presenting a contradictory personality in a unique historical moment. Hamilton’s character is also one that blends ambition, thirst for fame, and concern for his immortal legacy, with inability to see his own limitations, yet combined with devotion to honor and the cultivation of virtue. Hamilton’s evident ambition led him to be likened to Macbeth and Shakespearean tragedy can explain much of his life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2017

Reviews

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a novice in the world of Philosophy. I am an avid reader of history. Therefore, this book was a bit of a departure for me. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the two studies. A few of the essays were a bit disturbing because they definitely went against the grain of what I believe is a more accurate reflection of history. Most of the essays I found interesting and informative.

A word about the musical HAMILTON. It portrays some historical facts, but it is not meant to be a history lesson. It is a musical that informs and inspires people to be all that they can be and that "history is happening" now. The musical is history in that it is taking place before your eyes when you go to see it. The musical is changing the way we think about historical figures by portraying those figures with music and actors who look more like society today. Yes I am a Hamilton fan. I read books about Hamilton long before Ron Chernow wrote his, or the musical was written. I am wise enough to know the difference between what is shown on a stage or in a film and what is documented in actual writings of a person or a time in history. This show does not purport to be 100% accurate. Its message to me is "look around" see history in todays world, experience new things, change your history and the history around you. See the world for what it is, not what it was and experience the changes in a positive manner.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally liked this book a lot. There are some terrific essays in it, and I learned something about philosophy in just about every one. Having seen the show with the original cast and knowing the score extremely well, if not verbatim, I found many valuable insights about the show in the book. Many of the essays are also very well written. BUT there are also many essays that are either poorly written or riddled with careless, annoying typos that anyone in or out of publishing could have caught. In my nearly 20 years in publishing, I’ve heard of publishers that merely take a manuscript and put a cover around it without editing it, and I strongly suspect that’s what happened here. I can’t think of any other explanation for why so many blatant, obvious errors could have made it into the book. Some of the essays would have actually been very useful in teaching my students how NOT to write (I taught college writing for 9 years). So I’m reluctant to recommend this book. I’ve read other books in the series that were MUCH better than this, so I was disappointed.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays that use the musical "Hamilton" to illustrate philosophical ideas or questions. For example: does Hamilton live an honorable life (using Aristotle to define honor)? As with most anthologies/collections, some are better than others.

[Elisabeth Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic little collection of essays, whether you're a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda's show or not. In fact, if you're not already a fan, this just might sway you.

[Matt Person · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't need two essays on teleology vs deontology, but enjoyed the refreshing takes on hip-hop culture as well as Daoism.

[Mike Schuh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was reading this while teaching Hamilton in the classroom- a lot of interesting conversations on history and interpretation. Too much thematic repetition rating- 5

Re-read after seeeinf the show again. Great intersection discussion history and art, but some of the essays tend to repeat the same points. Adjusted score- 4.5