Aesthetic Experience and Ideas - Exaltation of the Rational

Frederich Nietzsche

German philosopher and cultural critic whose work influenced generations of thinkers. He published extensively in the 1870s and 80s, and is considered one of the most influential modern thinkers who stated "only sick music makes money today

Victor Hugo

French Romantic author, poet, essayist, playwright, journalist, human rights activist and politician. His most famous works are the novels The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables said, "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent

Plato

Plato is one of the world’s best known and most widely read and studied philosophers. He was the student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle, and he wrote in the middle of the fourth century B.C.E. in ancient Greece. Though influenced primarily by Socrates, to the extent that Socrates is usually the main character in many of Plato’s writings, he was also influenced by Heraclitus, Parmenides, and the Pythagoreans.

Plato’s “Music in an ideal state”

• Strictly regulated for the education of the guardian class.

• Only music expressing courage and moderation allowed; sad or indulgent music forbidden (Rep. 398d–399b).

• Polyharmonic instruments and rhythmic variety restricted for civic unity (Rep. 399c–399e).

Why did Plato find music potentially dangerous?

its emotional appeal challenges the dominance of reason - it can manipulate us.

Guardian Class

the city's rulers and military protectors, collectively known as philosopher-kings, who are rigorously educated and possess the virtues of wisdom, courage, and temperance to ensure justice and the state's welfare. This elite class is chosen from the ranks of the auxiliaries and are responsible for governance, administration, and the defense of the city, living lives dedicated to the state without private property or personal interests

What purpose does music serve in Plato’s view?

it helps shape people as god-fearing and god-like as humans can be

What use is music to Plato?

when it serves the purpose of the state by encouraging people to be resolute in the face of difficulty and considerate in relationships with others

What does Plato think about musicians, poets, and artisans?

“Imitators” and far removed from truth

What does Plato think is better for the soul? Music or exercise?

Music. (He is contradictory here) Acknowledges mousikē shapes the soul better than exercise (Rep. 377c), yet still denies its value as an expressive art.

What is Plato’s overall opinion of music?

It is a utilitarian tool, it has no intrinsic value

St. Augustine

St. Augustine of Hippo was a theologian, writer, preacher, rhetorician, and bishop. Although he experienced many hardships in his life, Saint Augustine set an example for men and women around the world to follow. His work is reflected in the lives of Catholics in the Augustinian tradition who continue to care for those in great need.

What did St. Augustine think about music?

Accepts moral/ethical role of music in shaping character.

Shares suspicion of excessive emotion, but more tolerant than Plato.

Does St. Augustine prefer contemplation or virtuosity?

contemplation, that professional performers lack true understanding

What does St. Augustine think about lyrics vs melody?

Prefers meaning of words to emotional pull of melodies (Conf. 10.33). Admits melodies heighten emotional devotion and worship. Warns against being “paralyzed” by sensual gratification (Conf. 10.33). Allows even wordless singing as pure rejoicing (“Expositions on the Psalms”).

What do both Plato and St. Augustine agree about music?

reason over emotion, treating music primarily as a rational or moral tool. Both fear that unrestrained musical emotion leads to disorder:

• Plato → disorder in the state. - Augustine → disorder in the soul.