The music instinct: the evolutionary basis of musicality

Why does music pervade our lives and those of all known human beings living today and in the recent past? Why do we feel compelled to engage in musical activity, or at least simply enjoy listening to music even if we choose not to actively participate? I argue that this is because musicality—communication using variations in pitch, rhythm, dynamics and timbre, by a combination of the voice, body (as in dance), and material culture—was essential to the lives of our pre-linguistic hominin ancestors. As a consequence we have inherited a desire to engage with music, even if this has no adaptive benefit for us today as a species whose communication system is dominated by spoken language. In this article I provide a summary of the arguments to support this view.

What's instinct got to do with it? A blueprint for a coherent approach to punishing criminals

As a result of the instinctive synthesis approach to sentencing, decisions are often based on the intuitive inclinations and sentiments of sentencers, as opposed to binding rules and principles. In particular, insufficient regard is paid to the purposes and objectives that can be achieved through a state-imposed system of punishment. Momentum is gathering for the High Court to revisit the manner in which the sentencing inquiry is undertaken. We believe that the court should use the opportunity to implement fundamental reform in sentencing and direct the sentencing process down a more transparent and forensic path. We suggest that there are seven basic steps that need to be undertaken to achieve enlightened sentencing reform. Ideally this is a role for the legislature. However, given the populist climate in which we live we have little confidence that the legislature will undertake such an exacting task – one which would almost certainly lead to a less severe sentencing regime. The judiciary offers the strongest hope that at least some of these steps will be taken. This article offers a blueprint for how such reform can be implemented. The first step is simply to assume that the institution of state-imposed punishment is justified – this has already been undertaken. The second is to select the theory which best justifies punishing wrongdoers. Thirdly, public opinion must be ignored in developing sentencing principle. Next it must be determined which objectives (such as deterrence and rehabilitation) can be achieved through sentencing. The fifth step involves matching the punishment to the crime. Step six is to critically analyse the foundation, and reassess the relevance, of the hundreds of aggravating and mitigating considerations that presently affect the sentencing calculus. Finally, sentencing law and practice should be subject to ongoing reform to take into account emerging empirical evidence concerning the positive benefits that can be achieved through sentencing.

Résumé analytique des observations de Frédéric Cuvier sur l'instinct et l'intelligence des animaux

par P. Flourens

Instinct and the unconscious; a contribution to a biological theory of the psycho-neuroses,

Mode of access: Internet.

Goldsmith's History of the earth, and animated nature. : With copious notes, containing all the new discoveries in the phenomena of nature, interspersed with numerous anecdotes of the lives, manners, and instinct of the animal kingdom ; selected from the most authentic sources /

Added engraved title pages

Histoire des moeurs et de l'instinct des animaux, avec les distributions méthodiques et naturelles de toutes leurs classes.

Mode of access: Internet.

Histoire des moeurs et de l'instinct des animaux, avec les distributions méthodiques et naturelles de toutes leurs classes.

Mode of access: Internet.

De l'instinct et de l'intelligence des animaux : résumé des observations de Frédéric Cuvier sur ce sujet /

Mode of access: Internet.

Études philosophiques sur l'instinct et l'intelligence des animaux /

Mode of access: Internet.

Souvenirs entomologiques ... Études sur l'instinct et les mœurs des insectes ...

"Mon école" (Autobiographical) v. 6, p. [46]-67.

Oiseaux voyageurs et poissons de passage. Étude comparée d'organisme, de moeurs et d'instinct,

Mode of access: Internet.

A question of instinct; an analytical study...

Mode of access: Internet.

Instinct displayed, in a collection of well-authenticated facts, exemplifying the extraordinary sagacity of various species of the animal creation.

Mode of access: Internet.