Philosophy And Music

AY2015/2016 Semester 2

This course introduces philosophical questions about music at a more advanced level. Throughout this course, students will explore the following questions: Why music and philosophy were at a high tension in ancient Greek but not in early China? Why music was regarded as not just an enjoyable entertainment but an indispensible part of understanding human nature in both traditions? Why do we find music to be deeply moving and even profound? What are the main issues in the contemporary discussions of music and philosophy?