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[1340b]
[1]
for instance the mode called Mixolydian, and
to others in a softer state of mind, but in a midway state and with the greatest
composure to another, as the Dorian mode alone of tunes seems to act, while the
Phrygian makes men enthusiastic; for
these things are well stated by those who have studied this form of education,
as they derive the evidence for their theories from the actual facts of
experience. And the same holds good about the rhythms also, for some have a more
stable and others a more emotional character, and of the latter some are more
vulgar in their emotional effects and others more liberal. From these
considerations therefore it is plain that music has the power of producing a
certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do
this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated
in it. Also education in music is
well adapted to the youthful nature; for the young owing to their youth cannot
endure any thing not sweetened by pleasure, and music is by nature a thing that
has a pleasant sweetness. And we seem to have a certain affinity with tunes and
rhythms; owing to which many wise men say either that the soul is a harmony or
that it has harmony.1
[20]
We ought now
to decide the question raised earlier, whether the young ought to learn music by
singing and playing themselves or not. It is not difficult to see that it makes
a great difference in the process of acquiring a certain quality whether one
takes a part in the actions that impart it oneself; for it is a thing that is
impossible, or difficult, to become a good judge of performances if one has not
taken part in them. At the same time also boys must have some occupation, and
one must think Archytas's rattle2 a good invention, which people give to
children in order that while occupied with this they may not break any of the
furniture; for young things cannot keep still. Whereas then a rattle is a
suitable occupation for infant children, education serves as a rattle for young
people when older. Such considerations therefore prove that children should be
trained in music so as actually to take part in its performance; and it is not difficult to distinguish what
is suitable and unsuitable for various ages, and to refute those who assert that
the practice of music is vulgar. For first, inasmuch as it is necessary to take
part in the performances for the sake of judging them, it is therefore proper
for the pupils when young actually to engage in the performances, though when
they get older they should be released from performing, but be able to judge
what is beautiful and enjoy it rightly because of the study in which they
engaged in their youth. Then as to
the objection raised by some people that music makes people vulgar, it is not
difficult to solve it by considering how far pupils who are being educated with
a view to civic virtue should take part in the actual performance of music,
1 The former doctrine is Pythagorean, the latter is stated by Plat. Phaedo 93.
2 Archytas a Pythagorean philosopher, mathematician, statesman, and general of Tarentum, contemporary with Plato. He was interested in mechanics; but one tradition ascribes the toy in question to a carpenter of the same name.
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