Beauty of Music as an Emergent Property

Abstract

This academic paper indicates that beauty, as an aesthetic value of music, can be explained through at least two distinct theoretical frameworks: subjectivism and absolutism. However, there are aesthetic issues that indicate it remains unclear which theory is more reliable in assessing the artistic value of music. To assess the value of any artwork, it is essential to evaluate many factors, including knowledge, experience, and the evaluative criteria relating to beauty or aesthetic value. Consequently, both subjectivism and absolutism are inadequate, as each theory contains limitations in clarifying these concerns, resulting in the problem of indeterminacy. The analysis revealed that the theoretical basis for positing beauty as a novel emergent property can provide stronger support in favor of subjectivism and absolutism. It elucidates the root of the indeterminacy that affects clear judgment, which is the identified issue. The author proposes the potential of a new emergent theory for clarifying beauty as an aesthetic value in music.