Clarke & Clarke (eds), Music and Consciousness

A musical exploration of consciousness

Simon Høffding

pp. 877-882

in: Phenomenology and the cognitive sciences 12 (4), 2013.

Abstract

The 20 chapters comprising Music and Consciousness collectively attempt to answer the question: “Does music simply offer an insight into consciousness—in principle no better or worse than a whole range of human activities….—or does it have a special claim in this respect that may be of broader significance?” (xix).1In other words, does the study of music contribute a unique and significant perspective to the study of consciousness? After finishing the volume, I am left with no definite answer. However, a poetic optimism that is nevertheless difficult to ground is kindled: in its own specific, but not insubstantial way, the study of music can potentially shine new light on basic phenomenological structures such as time consciousness, self-awareness, and embodiment.