Course information

Philosophy. Study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence.

Music is one of the oldest forms of human expression; it delights our senses, arouses our emotions, and stimulates our mind. It has also fascinated philosophers since the Ancient Greeks, down to the present. The course will cover: The role of music in history, culture and society; The major philosophers on music; Music and human emotions; Music and the imagination; Music and politics. We will use examples from many forms of music such as Opera, Jazz, Popular and Film music. 

Aims

The aim of the course is to engage students in a lively discussion on what music is, how it works and how it differs from other forms of human expression. Music affects many areas of life; it is integral to our social lives and historically to our political and religious structures. Our aim will also be to ask if music has changed its role in the 21st century.  

Outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to:

• Discuss the origins of music and its role in human history.
• Understand the role which music has played in cultural developments.
• Discern the different elements of music, such as tone, mood, and rhythm.
• Discuss the differences and similarities between opera, jazz and popular music.

Course Content

Introduction to Concepts and overview of the philosophy of music

We will define what is music and how it is different to other kinds of organized sound. We will discuss why music has been so important in human societies.

The elemental structure of music

Rhythm, melody, harmony, silence, improvisation and performance. We will also ask: How do you make value judgements about music, and what does it mean to have ‘good taste in music?’

The beginnings of Music theory 

For the Ancient Pythagoreans the ‘Harmony of the Spheres’ was an ontological fact; they believed that mathematical/music harmonies constituted the basic structure of everything. For Plato and Aristotle music was an important issue for epistemology, mathematics, politics and cosmology.

The Middle Ages to the Enlightenment

The course will cover the developments in musical form and complexity, and the invention of musical notation.

The Romantic period to the present

The course will cover Opera, its narrative structure and meaning. Jazz and the nature of improvisation, the ascendance of beat and the politics of social revolt. We will consider the history and unique characteristics of contemporary popular music. Film Music is a 20thc invention. We will discuss the functions of music in film, and how does music, dialogue, and image work together to form a unified aesthetic whole.

Intended Audience

Anyone with a general interest in philosophy and the topic of music.

Delivery Style

Lecture/Discussion 

Materials

Course handouts are provided electronically using Dropbox.