Many people are curious about what makes music music, why certain songs make us happy or sad, and how music shapes culture and history. These common musings are some of the most fundamental questions in music philosophy that are asked and researched. This branch of study, like philosophy of science or psychology, necessitates some prior knowledge of the subject. Music, unlike the other two disciplines, is something that almost everyone can understand — whether through listening or through the complex art of performing.
Many types of art, such as painting and literature, are simple to comprehend. Authors are able to verbally express emotions, ideas, and thoughts, whereas paintings focus on distinct shapes and forms that make the artist’s statement obvious. Music, on the other hand, is often thought of as abstract and open to interpretation. As a result, music philosophy is a broad topic that is frequently debated.
When it comes to music philosophy, one of the most common debates is how to define this art form. Music is either organized sound or the art of creating organized sound, according to the broadest definitions. Some argue that these definitions are too broad, claiming that speech and mechanical noises can be classified as organized sound, and that poetry can also be classified as creation. Other theories claim that music can be defined by varying tones and pitches, as well as the intent of the composer.
Meaning and purpose are another hotly debated topic in music philosophy. This discussion explores why people react to certain types of music. Some people believe that cultural conditioning influences emotional responses and song interpretations. Others, on the other hand, take a more scientific approach, claiming that our reactions to music are linked to the evolution of our brains.
In the philosophy of music, value is also a hot topic. Some argue that our high regard for music stems from personal experience and emotional response, while others argue that it is based solely on the mechanics of the art form. Another point of contention in the value debate is whether or not we should hold music in such high regard. Some argue that music is an important part of society, while others argue that listening to music for the sake of listening to music is trivial and unnecessary.