CfP: HSS, Mérida 7-10 Nov. : At the Crossroads of History of Science and History of Medicine

Proposed Panel: At the Crossroads of the History of Music and History of Science

Music has often played a crucial role in scientific thought and practice. To give just two examples: in modern cosmology and natural magic, because of its digital nature; in medicine, because of its supposed power to alleviate ills or, conversely, to make one ill. Through music it is also possible to explore ways in which embodied knowledge circulates, how it defines sexual and cultural identities and subjectivities, etc. The epistemological potential of music lies also in its power to trigger emotions and conduct. We need only recall the supposed power of siren songs to bewitch seamen, of baroque polyphonic compositions to provoke mystical raptures, of lullabies to alleviate mental illnesses.

This panel aims to explore the ways in which the history of music helps us to address complex problems in the history of science. For example, how can music help us to understand the role of the senses and emotions in the production of knowledge? How might the intersections of the history of science and music serve to understand historical modes of hybridisation and circulation of knowledge? How can hearing be used as an alternative to sight for tackling issues of expertise, objectivity, or attention? Although scholars have already begun to explore some of these questions, a deeper methodological discussion is needed to address how music, something that permeates all layers of society, could effectively serve in the history of science.

We welcome scholars at any stage of their career with or without a deep knowledge of the history of music. Abstract submissions should be approximately 250 words (or 2,000 characters) for a twenty (20) minute paper presentation.

Please email submissions to Elena Serrano by Monday, 8 of April 2024. A full panel consisting of selected abstracts will be submitted by Friday, 12 April 2024 for consideration by the conference committee.