Music: Distraction or Unnecessary for Amusement

Music: Distraction or Unnecessary for Amusement
Music has evolved over time to become almost an essential part of life. It is used by some to alter moods and by others to relieve stress. Many people might argue that without music, the world would not be an enjoyable place. Others would argue that music is not crucial to life, but helps out as far as amusement. In this paper, I will discuss the views of Sextus Empiricus and Aristotle. Sextus Empiricus’ argument was that music, as a whole, is just a distraction, as he explains in Against the Musicians. Similarly, Aristotle explains in Politics (Book VIII) that music is not an essential part of entertainment.
Sextus Empiricus uses an effective analogy to explain how music is a distraction. He says, “… Sleep or wine do not relax grief but heighten it by producing torpor, feebleness, and forgetfulness; thus a certain type of melos (music/melody) does not restrain a grief-stricken soul or a heart agitated by anger...