PHIL 242 - The Philosophy of Music

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

Music is an important part of our experience – familiar and yet strange, releasing us from thinking but also revealing new ways of thinking. This course addresses philosophical themes as they appear in music, providing a more visceral sense of alternative perspectives on the world, and expanding our appreciation what music has to offer. We will listen to many different types of music – old and new, classical and popular, with discussion focused around topics such as the difference between music and sound, the ‘space’ of music, the expression of emotion in music, the significance of repetition, historical versus ahistorical interpretations, time and timelessness. Readings will be drawn from a variety of philosophers, including Levinson, Scruton, Deleuze, Schopenhauer, Langer, Adorno, Kivy, Nussbaum and Walton. Ms. Church.

Prerequisite: one course in Philosophy or one course on music theory or music culture.

Two 75-minute periods.