Who and Philosophy

The Who was one of the most influential of the 1960s British Invasion bands—not just because of their loud and occasionally destructive stage presence—but also because of its smart songs and albums such as "My Generation," Who’s Next, Tommy, and Quadrophenia, in which they explored themes such as frustration, angst, irony, and a youthful inclination to lash out. This collection explores the remarkable depth and breadth of the Who’s music through a philosophical lens.

Rocco J. Gennaro is professor of philosophy at the University of Southern Indiana. Casey Harison is professor of history at the University of Southern Indiana.

Introduction by Rocco J. Gennaro and Casey Harison Part I-"I Can't Explain": Mod Culture Chapter 1. The Who and "My Generation": Philosophical Recollections of a Former Second Wave Mod by Catherine Villanueva Gardner Chapter 2. All Mod Cons: The Who and Rock 'n' Roll Authenticity by Steven D. Williams Part II-"We're Not Going to Take It": Alienation and Angst Chapter 3. "I've Had Enough": The Who and Social Revolution by Casey Rentmeester and William Knoblauch Chapter 4. Who's That Outside? by Greg Littmann Chapter 5. To the Sea and Sand: Quadrophenia - An Interpretation by Robert McParland Chapter 6. Fiddling about Becoming a Man by Christopher Ketcham Part III-"The Real Me": Consciousness, Disorders, and Deception Chapter 7. "See Me, Feel Me, Touch Me" - Know Me: Rationalism vs Empiricism in Tommy by Russell L. Johnson Chapter 8. What Does Tommy Feel?: The Aesthetic Experience of a Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Kid by S. Evan Kreider Chapter 9. "He Only Comes out Wh