Cognitive scientist Steven Pinker
has argued that music is
simply a byproduct of language, no more than an evolutionary “spandrel.”
And he has dismissed music as “auditory cheesecake,” which “just
happens to tickle several important parts of the brain in a highly
pleasurable
way, as cheesecake tickles the palate.” In fact, he claims that, “as
far as biological cause and effect are concerned, music is useless.”
Daniel J. Levitan takes the opposite view of music and, in This is
Your Brain on Music, he attempts to refute Pinker’s theory by citing some of the latest cognitive science. In a concise essay, briefly outline some
of Levitan’s key rebuttals of Pinker’s argument about music. Cite specific
evidence from This is Your Brain on Music to support your thesis.
Note:
Levitan's official website includes an extensive playlist of songs
mentioned in the book, along with an explanation of the musical concept
illustrated in each. Find the list here.
Requirements:
- MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
- 2-3-page minimum
- Include a works cited page
Due: Thu 11.5
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