Nineteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

In this paper, we examine three concepts central to study of the potential of music in peacebuilding efforts: musicking as connective behavior, the relationship between musicking and empathy, and the relationship between musicking and identity. We will consider the meaning of “peacebuilding” here in inclusive terms. There is a common intuitive sense that music “should” have the potential to engender or support these efforts, and in fact there is a growing field of research spanning a wide range of inter-related disciplines examining both possible evidence for the validity of this intuition and most effective approaches. We will present a brief overview of peacebuilding applications of music in practice and of the state of this research, including challenges to this work. We will then assert, drawing on work in 4E cognition, that music, rather than being considered an object, is a universal human behavior (musicking) having an essentially connective function in human life. Empathy is commonly thought to play a central role in peacebuilding efforts, but, perhaps surprisingly, the concept itself requires close examination if it is to be truly useful in this endeavor. We examine this term from various perspectives, including philosophical and neuroscientific work, theory and practical experience. Empathy, involving as it does Self and Other, is closely related to the concept of identity. Perhaps most critical to peacebuilding efforts is supporting the development of flexible identity. Following the work of Bateson and others, we examine the potential links among these concepts and musical engagement.