A Therapeutic Musical Paideia. Plato and the Care of the Soul

Plato’s reflection on the role of music in paideia, grounded on the doctrine of musical ēthos, concerns the care of both soul and the body, whose reciprocity is needed in view of health. Catharsis by means of music and dance in the Corybantic rites, referred to in the Laws, and considerations on the impact of musical performances on the education of the young people define the role of music – a most important and pervasive component in the life of the polis – in order to achieve and maintain the balance for both the individuals, and the community. Paideia, that involves the process of getting used to good and makes one aware of it, and able to recognize it, becomes a guarantor of the health of body and soul, to which music and gymnastics contribute, since health is grounded on ‘good rhythm’ (εὐρυθμία) and ‘good harmony’ (εὐαρμοστία). Thus, acquiring εὐρυθμία and εὐαρμοστία appears as the desired result of musical education, while to care for the body is a necessary premise for good training and good maintenance of the individual through the habit of ethically elevated melodies.