Background:

Evolution: The notion that variability is selected by an environment.

Evolution can occur only when three processes are present: (1) a process by which inherited traits can propagated, (2) an environment that selectively facilitates or impedes propagation, and (3) a process through which traits can be randomly varied.

Evolutionary Psychology: The view that human behavior is shaped by a long history of evolved instincts expressed in particular environments.

Analytic Approach:

An evolutionary psychologist might approach the analysis of a musical work as follows:

1. Identify individual aspects of a musical work that evoke particular psychological experiences or feelings. Ask what it is about these aspects that might account for the particular qualia or feelings. In the long Pleistocene period of human evolution, how might these Identify individual aspects of a musical work that are known (or thought) to evoke particular psychological states. Identify traits in the work that can also be found in a class or genre of music. (TRAIT)
   
   
2. Traits are preserved for long periods of time only if they are adapted to their environment, or are not susceptible to selection pressure. Identify the environment(s) in which these traits appear to operate. (E.g. the minds of listeners, performers, and commentator/critics.) (ENVIRONMENT)
   
   
3. Identify how the trait might be adapted to the environmental niche. (ADAPTATION)
   
   

Most evolutionary theorists are opposed to any notion of evolutionary "achievement" or "success." However, most theorists accept some notion of "adaptive fitness" (often as measured by the pervasiveness of some trait). A possible evaluative component to evolutionary-inspired music analysis might:

4. Identify how widespread the trait is -- that is, how extensively the trait has been propagated. (SUCCESS)

See also a list of possible musical universals.

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