What is the purpose of music?

[Rivet]

If we evolved purely by evolution (Darwin's theory and all that), then what is the purpose of music? Why did appreciation for music appear?

I know what music has some mathematical properties - each octave is twice the frequency of the one below it for instance. But why does certain music sound good to our ears? Why does the music scale have 12 notes? Why does music evoke an emotional response? How would music help us as species survive?

[Antipathy]

Music is just another man-made mode of communication.

One which we sometimes just happen to find appealing to listen to. And it is no coincidence because the rhythms of music (by design) tend to match the rhythms of our own bodies.

[Churlant]

Music can be very soothing, just as the sound of wind and rain are likely to drift some people to sleep (as long as you're not lying in it).

As mentioned, it is also a form of communication. It lends itself well to information exchange.


As for a more Darwinian conclusion... ever heard of music as an aphrodisiac? :D ;)

-JC

[DRMIZER]

If we evolved purely by evolution (Darwin's theory and all that), then what is the purpose of music? Why did appreciation for music appear?

I know what music has some mathematical properties - each octave is twice the frequency of the one below it for instance. But why does certain music sound good to our ears? Why does the music scale have 12 notes? Why does music evoke an emotional response? How would music help us as species survive?Good question. I think it would take a doctoral dissertation to answer it!

[poly_nightmare]

I think it's really for mental stimulation. It can set a mood for people. It can be relaxing and calm and at the same time really annoy people.

[JoeR]

Music comes from our ability to dedicate energy to that which is not involved with our survival in any way

[Chidi]

If we evolved purely by evolution (Darwin's theory and all that), then what is the purpose of music? Why did appreciation for music appear?

I know what music has some mathematical properties - each octave is twice the frequency of the one below it for instance. But why does certain music sound good to our ears? Why does the music scale have 12 notes? Why does music evoke an emotional response? How would music help us as species survive?


If you bring up this Question you are opening the flood gate for a lot of other qeustions like, Why do some people like the coulor blue instead of red, or carrots instead of peas, I beleive it has all got to do with the brain and comfort too.