Philosophies of music in medieval Islam
Book Description
In the rich intellectual tradition of medieval Islam, music occupied a complex and fascinating position that bridged the physical and metaphysical worlds. This scholarly exploration unveils how Islamic thinkers from the 9th through 15th centuries grappled with profound questions about sound, harmony, and the role of music in human experience.
Drawing from previously unpublished manuscript sources, Fadlou Shehadi presents the sophisticated philosophical frameworks these medieval scholars developed to understand music's place in existence. These thinkers examined music through multiple lenses, investigating its physical properties, aesthetic dimensions, and connections to astronomy and human psychology. They explored how musical experiences might shape character and behavior, while wrestling with the spiritual question of whether music aligned with Islamic principles.
The work reveals how Greek philosophical traditions, particularly Pythagorean and Aristoxenian thought, influenced Islamic perspectives on music. Yet these medieval Islamic philosophers created their own unique syntheses, developing coherent systems that addressed music's relationship to the cosmos, human nature, and divine order.
For contemporary readers interested in how different spiritual traditions approach art and consciousness, this book offers valuable insights into a sophisticated philosophical discourse. It demonstrates how medieval Islamic scholars approached music not merely as entertainment, but as a phenomenon worthy of deep intellectual and spiritual consideration, raising questions about beauty, ethics, and the human soul that remain relevant today.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 175 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Musique islamique
- ✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects of Music
- ✓ Explore Islam
- ✓ Explore Muziekfilosofie
- ✓ Explore Music
- ✓ Explore Philosophie et musique
