A Biological Perspective on Musical Appreciation

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12117236
AutoresBjørn Grinde (0000-0003-1216-2851, autor de correspondencia)
Año2000
Volumen9
Número2
Páginas18-27
Fecha de publicación2000-07-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaNordisk Tidsskrift for Musikkterapi (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0803-9828 • E-ISSN: 1944-8260
EditorialTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/08098130009477997
OpenAlexW2072126944
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas6
Referencias citadas38

Music has a powerful effect on the human psyche, an effect that can be used for therapeutic purposes. As the capacity to respond to and enjoy music appears to be innate, it is relevant to look for an evolutionary explanation. I suggest that a preoccupation with certain types of sounds has been adaptive, and that the main evolutionary advantage is related to play and exploratory behaviour associated with our dependence on language. The human brain employs agreeable and punitive sensations in order to influence behaviour. I propose that the brain induces us to concentrate on sounds, by offering pleasant sensations, in order to improve our ability to hear and to vocalise, and that one reason why we appreciate music is because it has the particular qualities required for maximum exploitation of these sensations. Keywords: musical appreciation - evolutionary perspective – language - positive sensations

Art · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Evolutionary psychology · Music therapy · Musical · Order (exchange · Perspective (graphical · Psyche · Computer Science · Neuroscience and Music Perception · Neuroscience, Education and Cognitive Function · Psychology · Sleep and Wakefulness Research · Social Psychology · Artificial Intelligence