Ray Nonn O.

Mallorca

April 30, 2015

Thesis Proposal
Title:
Metaphysical View of Music as a Proof of the Existence of Soul in the Light of Plato
Overview:
Music is one of the many topics that interests me especially when we put it in the realm
of philosophy. I have always wondered why music is such a powerful existence that has always
somehow existed with us. All of us are deeply affected by music, and I think when we say
deeply, it affects not just our mood, feeling, but also our personality and some of our actions are
motivated by music depending on the kind music we are listening to. When we make music, the
music we create depends also in the person. The music he/she creates reflects not only his/her
talent but his/her being. There is something in music that is also present in us that these two
resonates when they meet together. As a Christian, I want to indicate that soul exists and music
is there to prove it. My thesis statement is somehow will be; music is an existence that affects
people, it is basically immaterial. As for the soul, one of its notion is also immaterial, but its
existence is still on debate. We are deeply affected by music because we have soul. If we do
not have soul we are not affected by music nor able to create it. Thus soul exists.
My research will focus on the philosophy of music specifically on its metaphysical view. I
will also research on the relevant topics on the existence of soul. I will be familiar with the
writings of Plato on his philosophy about music and soul. The objective of the thesis is to see if
music can prove the existence of soul. The research will be done through bibliographic
research. I will search through books, journals and also internet publications with reference to
Platos philosophy of soul and music. Each publication will be given an evaluation of its

relevance to the research. Those publications which are deemed relevant will be given an
evaluation and a written summary will be made. The written summaries will highlight the key
points of the article, the viewpoints of the authors, and the points of the faculty member's
publication which are addressed by the publication at hand. A complete, overall evaluation of the
summarized work will be written with the aid of the mentor or thesis adviser.
Bibliography:
Discoveries, Amazing. The Philosophers Talk Music. 2010. http://amazingdiscoveries.org/Sdeception-music_philosophers_culture_plato (accessed April 4, 2015).
Kania, Andrew, "The Philosophy of Music", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring
2014 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL =
<http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2014/entries/music/>.
Lorenz, Hendrik, "Ancient Theories of Soul", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer
2009 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL =
<http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2009/entries/ancient-soul/>.
Pelosi, Francesco. Plato on Music, Soul and Body. New York: Cambridge Univesity Press, 2010.

Mentor:
Rev. Fr. Philippe Andrew Balmas Gallanosa