ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will consider two broad questions in preparation for the closer inspection of specific philosophical views that are presented in Section II. What is the basis for determining musical meaning and value? What kind of music has aesthetic value? Because both of these issues will be dealt with in considerable detail in ensuing chapters, the intent here is to present an introduction to the different kinds of meanings and values that philosophers have found in music and the ways in which different genres of music might influence those values. As has been the case with other topics in this first section-science, religion, knowledge, education, beauty, emotion, and aesthetics-you are encouraged to keep an open mind and to allow yourself to consider a variety of viewpoints. Later, as you read the detailed discussions of various philosophers in Section II, you will have some context and some preparatory thinking as a basis for considering disparate views.
