Humanities and Arts
Looking for Profundity (in All the Wrong Places)
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Bence Nanay
Abstract
It does not happen very often that one short paper opens an entire new subfield of a philosophical discipline. But this is exactly what Peter Kivy’s 1990 paper “The Profundity of Music” achieved. In a couple of years after Kivy’s paper appeared, all philosophers of music, who previously, like Charles Swann in Marcel Proust’s novel (Proust (1913) 1992), would have found it difficult to utter the word ‘profound’ unironically, all began took this concept very seriously. The problem Kivy (1990) draws our attention to is this: we do call some musical works profound. However, Kivy argues, given that a work is profound only if it is about something profound and given that music (or “music alone”) is not about anything, this leads to something of a paradox: how can music be profound if it is not about something profound? My aim in this article is to give a Kivy-esque answer to this question, which might be more consistent with Kivy’s work in the philosophy of music in general than Kivy’s own take on the profundity of music. The upshot is that what makes a work profound is not that it is about something profound, but that it actively challenges any straightforward interpretative activity (while at the same time nudges you to keep on trying to interpret it). I argue that this line of argument is very much in tune with Kivy’s general theoretical commitment that “music alone isn’t about anything” (1990, 204)
Key Questions
What is the central theme of the article "Looking for Profundity (in All the Wrong Places)"?
The article critiques the search for deep meaning or "profundity" in superficial or trivial sources, examining the consequences of prioritizing surface-level content over thoughtful engagement with complex, meaningful ideas.
How does the article explore the idea of "profundity"?
The article explores "profundity" by examining how people often seek profound insights in places where they are unlikely to find them—such as shallow entertainment or superficial discussions—rather than engaging with more substantive sources of knowledge and insight.
Why does the author argue that people are "looking for profundity in all the wrong places"?
The author argues that society increasingly turns to quick, easily accessible content for deep insights, such as social media or pop culture, rather than turning to more rigorous, thoughtful sources of knowledge. This tendency dilutes the value of genuine profundity.
What does the article suggest about the relationship between modern culture and the pursuit of profundity?
The article suggests that modern culture, with its emphasis on immediacy and surface-level entertainment, has shaped a generation that is less inclined to engage deeply with complex or challenging ideas, instead opting for easily digestible content that appears profound on the surface.
What are the consequences of seeking profundity in the wrong places?
The consequences include intellectual stagnation, a lack of critical thinking, and the devaluation of true insight. By focusing on shallow sources for meaning, people may miss opportunities for deeper understanding and personal growth.
How can society better approach the search for profound ideas?
The article suggests that society should shift focus back to more thoughtful and in-depth sources of knowledge, such as literature, philosophy, and complex discussions, rather than prioritizing instant gratification or entertainment that lacks depth.
What role does technology play in the search for profundity?
Technology, especially in the form of social media and digital platforms, plays a significant role in providing quick access to content that may appear profound but is often shallow. This can contribute to the perception of profundity being easily accessible without requiring deeper engagement.
How does the article challenge the modern approach to meaning-making?
The article challenges the modern approach by arguing that meaning-making should be a deliberate, reflective process rather than something that can be found quickly and easily in distractions or trivial sources. The pursuit of true profundity requires effort, time, and engagement with more substantial forms of knowledge.
What are some ways to cultivate a deeper understanding of meaningful ideas?
The article suggests engaging in practices such as reading complex works, participating in thoughtful debates, and cultivating intellectual curiosity, all of which allow for a deeper understanding of the world and foster the pursuit of true profundity.
