Alex Nikolic

EMU 275
September 22, 2014
Bowman Analysis
1. Bowmans thesis in this article is that philosophical and theoretical inquiry are concepts that
we should be employing as we move forward in our journey to better music education, as
opposed to merely using the practicality music training and teaching as ideals.
2. The mode of address that Bowman uses is directed at music educators and people that are
concerned with the improving music education. This is clear because this entire article is a
platform for advocacy for the bettering of music education through the increased use of
philosophical and theoretical inquiry. As such, it can be implied that Bowman is addressing
people who would be concerned for the well-being of music education
3. Bowman, as a preface, states that there are many assumptions about what philosophical and
theoretical inquiry are, and that the majority are not true. He notes that this is important to grasp
in order to understand why inquiry is so important. He likens Music education to a boat at sea
and he, being more involved in the theoretic aspects of education as opposed to in the field, a
small life raft. From him point of view he can see that the music education boat is sailing without
any direction, just as means to an end. Bowman argues that the implementation of more
philosophical and theoretical inquiry will give the ship a direction thus improving it as a whole.
Bowman states that if we identify exactly what needs to be taught in music education then we
can more effectively and efficiently teach.
4. Bowman takes for granted the fact that we as a society of music educators, do not have current
methods and ideologies of teaching too ingrained in our being. He assumes that there are people
that are willing to make a radical change as well as people that agree with the message he is
advocating for. This is not to say that his argument is for not, as with most schools of thought
there will be at least a select groups that will agree with his argument, however for true change to
occur bowmans assumption that the education system is willing to change must be true.
5. Bowmans support for his argument is largely from personal experience, citing his experience
and ideas with philosophical and theoretical inquiry. He also supports his claims by quoting
people such as Harry Broudy who explains that the main advantage of using philosophy is the
habits that the brain develops by using it.