Mo Tzu on Music

Mo Tzu on Music

Question 1

Mo Tzu opposes music because he is convinced that it artistic virtues adds no value to the society. To survive and live, people do not require music. Therefore, according to him, the government should not tax the citizens for them to enjoy the musical tones. He observed that some of the most destructive “music should be banned” to ensure that citizens enjoy virtues that add value to life (Schwartz, 2010).

Question 2

            I disagree with Mo Tzu. His thoughts on music are unconvincing, especially in the modern society. It is possible that people in the ancient China were in a survival mode, given the prevalence of famine, drought and war with dissidents. However, today, people hold music dear because of its multiple benefits and applications in different occasions. Evangelical music, for instance, instills moral values in the listeners. Thus, provision of funding for musical activities should be included in the government funding because it not only boosts talent but also earns a living for the musicians. Other forms of arts also benefit common people as sources of income. 

Question 3

Boethius says that orderly sounds are a source of pleasure to humans. In contrast, disorderly sounds are a source of displeasure. He reasoned that music deals with both morality and speculation. Therefore, music that cannot be speculated and disorderly can be a source of immorality. He would say that people should listen to classical music due to its composition order. Boethius, on the other hand, would not recommend disorderly rock music. He argues that music is so powerful that it can alter human behavior and feelings hence can harm or aid human morals. Boethius is convinced that people should listen to ‘musica humana’ because it can balance the soul and body. He also claims that morality and beauty are interconnected (Kaylor & Philips, 2012).

Question 4

I agree with Boethius that music is a source of moral behavior to humanity. However, I disagree with him that people should be restricted to listening to one musical genre because each human has distinct traits, tastes and preferences and should listen to their own choice of music. In fact, his thought on the sounds that people find pleasing is ill-informed, especially in the modern times. Boethius views are moderate when compared to Mo Tzu. Their similarity revolves around the existence of different types of music. However, they strongly disagree on the human need for music. Boethius says that people should be regular music listeners while Mo Tzu thinks music should be banned.

References

Kaylor, N. H., & Phillips, P. E. (2012). A companion to Boethius in the Middle Ages. Leiden [etc.: Brill.

Schwartz, B. I. (2010). The world of thought in ancient China. Cambridge, Mass: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.