Rhetorical Analysis Of Mo Tzu's Against Music

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“Vocal or instrumental sounds … combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion” (Music). Mohist philosopher Mo Tzu, who is associated with the “hundred schools,” and arose during the Warring States Period,“is best known for his philosophy of universal love” (Tzu 308). His ideals often conflicted with the philosophy of Confucianism, but one of his more controversial beliefs was in his writing “Against Music”. Mo Tzu opposed music, and claimed it unbeneficial to the common people. In today’s world, music is a large part of society and people's lives throughout the world. Mo Tzu defines music as, “not only singing and playing instruments, but also the dancing, banquets and other ... entertainments” (309). He uses “ a simple deductive syllogism [to begin his attacks against music]”. …show more content…

Now let us [hear some music] … [will this] provide food and clothing for the people?” (Tzu 310). According to Mo Tzu’s definition …show more content…

In one example, he indicates that “if … the rulers and ministers [provided all of the entertainment,] and [spent] their time listening to [music, they would neglect their duty] of attending to government affairs. As a result the state would fall into disorder” (Tzu 312). This is not the case though, in another example, he is claiming that farmers will neglect their duties of “sowing seeds, planting trees, gathering large crops,” but as he mentions it is a luxury and very expensive to hire someone to at least sing or play music. He contradicts himself because the people at the top, who own all the wealth are the rulers, ministers, or nobles. I doubt that the farmers or women, who are residing on the poverty line, would be able to afford that luxury. He also makes his arguments sound as if people are listening to music all day

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