Single Idea 19356

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 4. Mathematical Nature]

Full Idea

In music, the soul counts the beats of the vibrating object which makes the sound, and when these beats regularly coincide at short intervals, it finds them pleasing. Thus it counts without knowing it.

Gist of Idea

Minds unconsciously count vibration beats in music, and enjoy it when they coincide

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (On Note L to Bayle's 'Rorarius' [1705], [L])

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Texts', ed/tr. Woolhouse R/Francks,R [OUP 1998], p.238


A Reaction

Only a mathematician would see music this way! He is defending his account of the unconscious mind. The proposal that we unconsciously count sounds highly implausible. He needs to recognise the patterns that ground mathematics.

Related Idea

Idea 19355 The soul doesn't understand many of its own actions, if perceptions are confused and desires buried [Leibniz]