Music is one of the most important and oldest forms of art in human history. Its importance in culture is difficult to overestimate. For many people, music is an integral part of life; it accompanies them in their joys, sorrows, and reflections on the meaning of existence. I must admit that I have never thought about what music is. And I've never looked at music through a philosophical lens. Now I'll try to briefly look at music from a philosophical perspective. Philosophy tells us about its essence. It is worth reaching for the ideas of various philosophers who have tried to understand and describe it throughout history.

The philosophical past of music

The philosophy of music has its roots in antiquity, when Greek philosophers like Pythagoras, Plato, and Aristotle started delving into the study and explanation of the phenomena of music. Pythagoras, the renowned mathematician, expressed his belief that mathematics and proportions are intimately tied to music in his well-known phrase, "Everything is a number." He thought that music had an impact on people's souls and might help them find inner peace.

In "The Republic," Plato considered how music could influence the souls of people, leading to both virtues and corruption. For him, music is an essential element of education and shaping the character of a person. Here are some famous Plato quotes on music:

Aristotle examined how people use music to communicate their feelings and make sense of the world. It is said of him that "music has the power of shaping the character."

The medieval philosopher Boethius described music as a branch of mathematics that had a soul-connection. His most famous essay, "On Music," is a discourse on the nature of music theory and how it affects the human soul. Here are a few well-known musical quotations from Boethius:

  • "Music is the science of sounds and their proportions."
  • "Music is an art that connects the soul with the harmony of the universe."
  • "Music is a way of expressing emotions and feelings."

Boethius believed that music is an important element in education and shaping the character of people. In his treatise, he describes how different types of music affect the soul and their social consequences.

In the 19th century, Arthur Schopenhauer introduced the theory of music as the language of emotions, claiming that music is the purest form of expressing human feelings.

Music as Expression of Emotions

Music has always been perceived as the language of emotions—a tool that allows us to express what is difficult to put into words. Often, while listening to music, we experience intense emotions that can move our hearts and souls.

Philosophers such as Schopenhauer and Eduard Hanslick analyzed how music is capable of conveying emotions and affecting our feelings.

Utilizing Music to Communicate

In addition to being a powerful instrument for storytelling and conveying messages from artists to audiences, music also serves as a medium for emotions and ideas. Musicians utilize music as a medium of expression to share their narratives and make statements. Music can be used in a social setting to tell the history and values of a certain group of people and to express cultural identity.

Music Ethics

There are ethical issues since music affects emotions and perception so greatly. What meanings do music lyrics convey? Can music be used to spread bad messages, violence, or hatred? Music censorship is a contentious subject, and philosophers examine the limits of artistic freedom in relation to music.

Summary and Conclusions

Music fundamentally influences both our daily lives and society. The philosophy of music aids in our comprehension of its importance, function in our lives, and impact on communication and emotions. Philosophers have studied it to decipher its meanings and mysteries from antiquity to the present. Not only does music sound good, but its intellectual profundity also helps one understand it.