Cowen argues that the capitalist market economy is a vital but underappreciated institutional framework for supporting a variety of artistic visions. His philosophy stands in opposition to the cultural pessimism of conservatives, neoconservatives, the Frankfurt School, and some versions of the political correctness and multiculturalist movements.

Does a market economy encourage or discourage music, literature, and the visual arts? Do economic forces of supply and demand help or harm the pursuit of creativity? This book seeks to redress the current intellectual and popular balance and to encourage a more favorable attitude towards the commercialization of culture that we associate with modern life.