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ohiou1267813140.pdf (207.24 KB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
A Critical Review of Three Theories for Music’s Origin
Author Info
Kondik, Kevin W.
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1267813140
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2010, Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, Philosophy (Arts and Sciences).
Abstract
This thesis compares three theories which debate whether or not the trait of music is constitutive of a biological adaptation. Steven Pinker advances a view that music cannot be an adaptation because making or responding to music utilizes faculties which evolved for other reasons. On the next view, Geoffrey Miller claims that music is a sexually selected trait which evolved primarily to seduce potential mates. Finally, Ian Cross argues that music can be seen as an extension of juvenile behaviors into adulthood and has efficacy in the consolidation of bonds within a group. I conclude that all three theories are insufficient as an explanation of why music evolved in the hominid lineage. The main reasons why these theories all fail is they all rely upon a speculative historical reconstructions and imprecise definitions of music. To conclude, I suggest that a modified version of Pinker’s non-adaptive hypothesis should be endorsed.
Committee
Arthur Zucker, PhD (Committee Chair)
Scott Carson, PhD (Committee Member)
Robert Briscoe, PhD (Committee Member)
Pages
82 p.
Subject Headings
Philosophy
;
Psychology
Keywords
Adaptation
;
Function
;
Selection
;
Sexual Selection
;
Music
;
Steven Pinker
;
Geoffrey Miller
;
Ian Cross
;
Language
;
Evolutionary Psychology
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Citations
Kondik, K. W. (2010).
A Critical Review of Three Theories for Music’s Origin
[Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1267813140
APA Style (7th edition)
Kondik, Kevin.
A Critical Review of Three Theories for Music’s Origin.
2010. Ohio University, Master's thesis.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1267813140.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Kondik, Kevin. "A Critical Review of Three Theories for Music’s Origin." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1267813140
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
ohiou1267813140
Download Count:
4,136
Copyright Info
© 2010, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.