L’invention de la musique et des sociétés. Héritage pythagoricien et modernité aristotélicienne?

Abstract

The article explores the parallels drawn between the invention of music and the invention of societies in the West. It undertakes a reflection on early Western conceptions of music, and their echo within the models of social organisation. The emphasis will be laid on the educational, social, and religious purposes and effects of music.

Firstly, we will track the temporality of music, in order to bring out its critical genealogy. Secondly, we will examine the relevance of the Pythagorean heritage, and its perpetuation, compared to Aristotelian modernity. We shall start our in medias res investigation by diving into the Hellenic legacy.