Cfp: "Music and Morality," Institute of Musical Research & Institute of Philosophy, University of London, June 16-17, 2009.

Confirmed keynote speakers include: George Benjamin, John Deathridge, Deirdre Gribbin, Jerrold Levinson, Susan McClary, Roger Scruton Convenor: Guy Dammann, Institute of Musical Research Music has commonly been considered the most elusive of artforms and yet throughout history there have been frequent assertions of its strong links with our moral sensibilities. While this situation may suggest shifting views and expectations of art and music, it may also point to some deeper questions about the nature of music and morality. In the context of increased academic and practical interest in the question of music’s moral value and potential, we are seeking contributions from academic and practical musicians, philosophers, psychologists and historians of ideas, offering critical reflections on questions or cases that touch on the theme of music and morality. Interested contributors should send, in a first instance, a 300 word abstract for a proposed paper of not more than 20 minutes reading time to Valerie James, Institute of Musical Research, music@sas.ac.uk by the deadline of 31 January 2009. Notice of acceptances of submissions will be announced within one month of this deadline. General questions of interest include but are not limited to the following: Can music yield moral knowledge or understanding? Must good music have a moral value? Is there such a thing as immoral music? Is the idea of morality in music compatible with aesthetic formalism? Further information may be found here: http://www.philosophy.sas.ac.uk/Music_Morality_CFP2.doc.