1. This document discusses the role of philosophy in music education and music therapy (MEMT) research. It argues that all research, whether explicit or implicit, is grounded in philosophy as it seeks to understand "why" and the origins of research methodologies. 2. Philosophical inquiry itself is also a valid form of research that uses tools like criticism, speculation, and analysis to evaluate ideas and concepts. The document provides examples of how philosophy intersects with ideas, theories, and explanatory constructs that shape how researchers think. 3. MEMT research draws from philosophy to challenge existing ideas and practices in the field by systematically evaluating assumptions and developing new bodies of thought. Philosophical inquiry in this domain can involve thought experiments and