Music and Knowledge: Towards a Systematic Approach

Andreas Dorschel

In the present attempt, I distinguish between (1) Composers’ knowledge; (2) Knowledge incorporated in compositions; (3) Performers’ knowledge; (4) Participants’ and audiences’ knowledge; (5) Material and institutionalized knowledge. Throughout these distinctions run three more general or abstract distinctions. The first of these is (a) a distinction between inherent and contextual knowledge. Then there is (b) a distinction between ‘imparted knowledge’ and ‘emerging knowledge’: What sort of knowledge goes into music, and what sort of knowledge emerges from it? Finally, there is the well-known, though sometimes disputed (c) distinction between theoretical and practical knowledge, or ‘knowing that’ vs. ‘knowing how’. The real challenge, finally, is posed by the question: How do the diverse forms or modes of knowledge interact?

Andreas Dorschel

Andreas Dorschel heads the research project 'The Epistemic Power of Music' (P 34449-G) and the Institute for Music Aesthetics at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz.

The talk will be held in English.
External guests are welcome. Please contact sek.musik@ae.mpg.de