Scales are based on ratios, and our equal tempered scale is a compromise to get equidistant steps that can be used to closely approximate those ratios. The idea being to be able to use the same instrument to play in any key without retuning the instrument and adjusting the intonation.
So...one could argue for either or both interpretation and explanation. The note names, sharps and flats, is what is most arbitrary about it.
So...one could argue for either or both interpretation and explanation. The note names, sharps and flats, is what is most arbitrary about it.