MofA Week 5: Music and the Metaphysical

topics:

• Music in metaphysical theory
  • Islamic discourse concerning music's legitimacy (the music polemic)
    • as an artistic practice
    • as a spiritual practice
  • Music in Sufi and Islamic philosophical writings
    • The Ikhwan al-Safa (Basra, Iraq, 10th century) provide a philosophical-scientific treatment of music (Fifth Epistle) within a comprehensive encyclopedia work. Note the prominent position of music in their division of scientific knowledge

• Music in metaphysical (religious) practice
  • Music in Islamic practice in Arabic-speaking regions
  • Music in Church practices in Arabic-speaking regions