I am an independent scholar based in Toronto. My main areas of research are the philosophy of music and the philosophy of art.
My latest book is Philosophy of Song and Singing: An Introduction published by Routledge in 2015.
I believe that traditional questions in aesthetics – about art’s ontological status, value, and possible contribution to knowledge – must be addressed within the broader context of art’s social role and functions.
I currently make my living by working as a professional mediator. I help leaders manager conflict to create flourishing organizations, and I love my work. (You can read more about it on the webpage for my company: Bicknell Mediation)
News
Just Published
- “Crack in the Voice and Joe Turner Blues” in Philosophy and Literature [PDF]
- I was a guest speaker in Professor Vitor Guerreiro’s Aesthetics and Arts Philosophy Seminar. You can watch my lecture here.
Now Available
- Philosophical Perspectives on Ruins, Monuments & Memorials, a volume of essays I edited together with Jennifer Judkins and Carolyn Korsmeyer.
- Aesthetics for Birds recently published an interview with me, Carolyn Korsmeyer, and Jennifer Judkins about our collection of essays on ruins monuments and memorials. Here’s the link.
- “Music and Lyrics” in The Science and Psychology of Music: From Beethoven at the Office to Beyoncé at the Gym