History of Philosophy: India, Africana, China HPC 18. Erica Brindley on Music and the Cosmos in Confucianism
6 snips
Dec 1, 2024 In this enlightening discussion, Erica Brindley, a Professor of Asian Studies at Penn State, reveals the profound connections between music and cosmic understanding in early Confucianism. She delves into how music transcended sound, intertwining with rituals and the universe. The conversation explores the historical context of music, archaeological discoveries, and music's role in moral cultivation and societal stability. Brindley emphasizes the importance of resonance, empathy, and harmony, showcasing music's key position in Confucian philosophy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Music As Performative Ritual
- Ancient Chinese 'music' meant integrated performances including sound, dance, and props rather than only sonic music.
- Erica Brindley explains music functioned like ritual, a broad cultural performance tied to social order.
Duke Zangyi's Tuned Bronze Bells
- Archaeology uncovered Duke Zangyi's bronze bell cache with built-in tones that reshaped our view of ritual music.
- Brindley cites this find as evidence of advanced music theory and tuned bell sets in 4th-century BCE China.
Emergence Of A Resonant Cosmos
- A 'resonant cosmos' idea rose around the 4th century BCE alongside more naturalistic thinking.
- Brindley argues this view framed the cosmos as harmonious balance that humans should seek to achieve.