Harmony, 'Quintessence', and Children's Acquisition of Concern for the 'Natural Environment'

Abstract

This article represents an attempt to rethink the role of the humanities, a contrast to the natural sciences, in the generation of concern for the 'natural environment' during childhood. It involves a personal rethinking of what we mean by the humanities and the natural sciences, and the relationship between them, as well as a rethinking of what is meant by natural environment. This rethinking has been prompted by a project to use music in 'environmental interpretation' which led me to question my own assumptions about these issues. I will first describe the project, and then the questions which it has raised.