Reflections on aesthetics and evolution

Journal/Book: Crit Rev. 1997; 11: PO Box 10, Newtown, CT 06470-0010. Critical Review Foundation. 193-210.

Abstract: Experimental research with human infants has demonstrated a level of sensitivity to music comparable to that of musically unsophisticated adults. This evidence points to the biologically hard-wired nature of musical responsivity, and further raises the question of the evolutionary roots of the phenomenon. The question is addressed by examining (1) tile ontogenetic and phylogenetic order in which speech and music are acquired, (2) tile possible adaptive properties of music and dance, and (3) cognitive evolutionary retrodictions about the period in prehistory when art began. Much uncertainty continues to surround these issues, but there is a strong indication that the performing and visual arts are natural phenomena with distinctively different evolutionary roots.

Note: Article Kogan N, New Sch Social Res, Grad Fac, 65 5TH Ave, New York,NY 10003 USA

Keyword(s): PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS; PREFERENCES; SELECTION; ORIGINS; CULTURE; MIND

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