This article examines music as an object of philosophical knowledge in the teachings of al-Farabi, one of the most prominent representatives of medieval Islamic philosophy. Special attention is given to the place of music within al-Farabi’s philosophical system, where it is understood not only as an art form but also as a scientific discipline grounded in rational, mathematical, and metaphysical principles. Drawing on al-Farabi’s major treatise “Kitab al-Musiqa al-Kabir” (“The Great Book of Music”), the study analyzes his views on the nature of sound, harmony, rhythm, and musical perception, as well as their connection with logic, mathematics, ethics, and psychology. The article highlights al-Farabi’s synthesis of ancient Greek musical theory, particularly the ideas of Pythagoras and Aristotle, with the intellectual traditions of the Islamic world. It is argued that al-Farabi conceptualized music as a means of intellectual cognition and moral influence, capable of shaping human character and emotional states. The findings demonstrate the enduring philosophical significance of al-Farabi’s musical theory and its contribution to the development of musicology as an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of philosophy, science, and art.  

Philosophy of music, musical theory, medieval philosophy

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