The Ways of Music

From 424b through 424c Socrates talks about the guarding of music and making sure there is no innovation of music contrary to the established order. He ends by saying, "For never are the ways of music moved without the greatest political laws being moved." In dealing with the first part; just because there is new innovation of music that is different to the norm, does not automatically mean that it is corrupt. Music has always been evolving; sometimes for good, other times for bad. When deciding what types of music should not be censored and what types should be censored, it is necessary to decide based on the reactions that the music produces in one person. It seems to me that it would be best to censor on a case by case basis. For one person in the city, a particular type of music might influence them to perform their job to perfection. Yet that same type of music might influence someone else to perform their job poorly. With this being the case, censoring on a case by case basis is a good way to help promote a just city. Socrates' statement about the "ways of music" is correct. Throughout history, governments and people in power have tried to eliminate the ways of music through the strictest of political laws and actions. This method does work. However, music has always been able to find a way to break down barriers and continue to innovate, no matter what the law is.