Taylor Swift: from pop icon to philosophical phenomenon

With three sold-out concerts in Amsterdam, the Netherlands cannot ignore her either. Taylor Swift is a successful artist, a successful businesswoman and a role model for many. But is her work also philosophical? Catherine Robb, affiliated with the philosophy Department, thinks so.

Eight colorful bracelets jingle on philosopher Catherine Robb’s wrist: ‘Homemade friendship bracelets,’ she explains. Fans of Taylor Swift—also known as ‘Swifties’—exchange the bracelets with each other during the singer’s shows. The bracelets are decorated with words that refer to themes, lyrics, or album songs. Her current favorites are bracelets with the lyrics ‘Aristotle’ and ‘Snake.’

Robb is one of the lucky ones who managed to get a ticket for Swift’s concert in Amsterdam. She recently co-wrote a book about the American singer with Georgie Mills. Robb will also teach a short online course in September, organized by Lifelong Learning at Tilburg University: The Philosophy of Taylor Swift.

One thing is certain: Swift is a unique cultural phenomenon. But is she also a philosopher?

What makes Taylor Swift an icon of our time?

‘That’s an important question. I often get asked why I don’t teach a course on other artists or celebrities who are important today. Swift’s songs are catchy, good quality, and fun, but there is other good music out there. Some people will argue that there is better music to spend your time on.

‘What makes Swift so special to us is that she has a disproportionate impact. Not only on the music industry, but also on the economy, the environment, politics, and culture. For example, her record-breaking Eras tour is so beneficial to the British economy that the Bank of England could potentially delay an interest rate cut. In addition, her fans create seismic waves when they dance to certain songs during concerts. There are also reports that she has influenced voter turnout in the United States.

‘Why does Swift have this profound influence? That’s a question that academics need to take seriously. That’s why I’m very much looking forward to the online course I’ll be teaching in September. Perhaps we will get closer to an answer by exploring and discussing these issues together.’

When Swift decided to re-record her albums, she became part of the public discourse. Everyone was talking about it. Why was that so special?

‘Swift has released reissues of her old albums in recent years as a protest against her former record company. In this way, she has brought attention to the unfair power relations in the music industry and taken control of her own intellectual property. It is unique that a young woman can do this.

‘The re-recordings also gave her the opportunity to look back and celebrate the different stages of her career. Moreover, young people who did not grow up with Swift’s earlier work were now able to listen to these albums.’

What is the philosophical value of Swift’s songs and her life as a celebrity?

‘Many of her lyrics are philosophical. For example, in the song ‘The Man,’ she analyzes what it means and how it feels to be a woman in a world where we are treated and judged unequally. In another song, ‘Marjorie,’ she explores the nature and feelings of grief. Also, a number of philosophers have already analyzed her songs in relation to the subject of friendship.

‘In addition to these topics, Swift also sings about heartbreak and love. During an interview, a journalist asked her why her songs so often deal with past relationships and ex-boyfriends. In a response, Swift stated in a confident tone that she has no intention of apologizing for the lyrics she writes about failed relationships. According to her, it is common for artists to write about their love life because it is a source of joy, sadness, and pain. She wonders why she is asked to justify this and male artists are not.’

What makes her work truly philosophical?

‘Some journalists claim that Taylor Swift’s songs are philosophical and also that she is a philosopher. But just writing insightful lyrics or uttering a few wise words does not make her a philosopher.

‘Swift uses her songs to explore the nature, value, and experience of many important issues related to ‘being human,’ and particularly life as a young woman in the public eye.

‘I don’t think it is possible to analyze these issues in just one song because her entire body of work focuses on these issues. Here she can present and substantiate her ideas systematically and methodically. This is very similar to what we do when we do philosophy.’

Want to learn more and reflect on the work and influence of Taylor Swift? In the short online course, ‘The Philosophy of Taylor Swift,’ starting Sept. 2, you and other participants can reflect on the philosophical value of Taylor’s music, lyrics, and life as a celebrity.

Translated by Language Center, Riet Bettonviel

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