Stephen Davies teaches philosophy at the University of Auckland. He writes mainly about aesthetics and the philosophy of art, and has written extensively on the definition of art, the ontological character of artworks, cross-cultural aesthetics, the expression of emotion in art, and the interpretation and evaluation of art. His books include Musical Works and Performances (Clarendon, 2001), Themes in the Philosophy of Music (OUP, 2003), The Philosophy of Art (Blackwell, 2006), and Philosophical Perspectives on Art (OUP, 2007).

"The collection does not fail to impress in its attention to detail and variety of music. It is this detail that also offers the greatest rewards of reading Daviess collection."--Hanne Appelqvist, Philosophy in Review

"[H]is writing is lucid and accessible, while never sacrificing precision; his handling of the subject is based on an intimate knowledge of the history and technicalities of music that exhibits an intimidating breadth and depth; and, while being steeped in the tradition of Western classical music, Davies also has an eye on popular music and some non-Western musical practices that lends a much needed cultural sensitivity to his treatment of the philosophical problems. Musical Understandings offers the same accessibility, knowledge, and sensitivity that many in the field have come to expect and admire." -- Mind