The Philosophy of Kanye West: Genius, Ego, and the Ethics of Art

This course provides a critical examination of the philosophical framework defining Kanye West’s career, focusing on radical self-belief and the rejection of societal limitations. It analyzes the Westian approach to creativity, where sampling acts as a postmodern tool for reinventing history and constructing new aesthetic futures. The study covers West’s transition from hip-hop production to multidisciplinary design, exploring how his maximalist vision challenges the traditional boundaries between high art and mass media. By evaluating his role as a curator and creative director, the curriculum explores the architecture of a total brand ecosystem and the use of personal myth-making as a tool for creative liberation. The second half of the course investigates the psychological and ethical complexities of public persona and fame. It critiques the genius myth, examining how ego can transform from a creative engine into a source of isolation and destruction. Serious attention is given to the ethics of influence, addressing the impact of West’s harmful public statements and the tension between unfiltered speech and social responsibility. Using philosophical concepts like the Death of the Author, the course offers a framework for the modern dilemma of separating art from its creator. The study concludes by synthesizing creative courage with the need for emotional regulation and discipline, providing a model for sustainable artistic practice in an age of hyper-visibility.