A Biological Perspective on Musical Appreciation

Dados Bibliográficos

ID12117236
AutoresBjørn Grinde (0000-0003-1216-2851, autor correspondente)
Ano2000
Volume9
Fascículo2
Páginas18-27
Data de publicação2000-07-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoNordisk Tidsskrift for Musikkterapi (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0803-9828 • E-ISSN: 1944-8260
EditoraTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/08098130009477997
OpenAlexW2072126944
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas6
Referências 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