

Music and Eugenics with Alexander Cowan
Nov 26, 2024
Alexander Cowan, a musicologist specializing in the intersection of music and eugenicist thought, explores the unsettling connections between music and the eugenics movement. He discusses how figures like Francis Galton believed musical talent was hereditary, perpetuating racist ideologies. Cowan delves into the historical context of music psychology and critiques the notion of innate musical ability linked to social hierarchies. This thought-provoking conversation urges a reexamination of inclusivity within the musical community, highlighting the dark implications of these ideologies.
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 3min
Exploring the Intersection of Music, Eugenics, and Historical Context
02:49 • 3min
The Foundations of Eugenics: Francis Galton's Legacy
05:26 • 3min
Hereditary Genius: Music and Social Inequality
08:25 • 8min
Eugenics and the Science of Musical Talent
15:56 • 24min
Eugenics and Music: Unveiling Historical Ties
40:08 • 9min