The classical answer to this question is given in On the Sensation of Tone As a Physiological Basis for the Theory of Music, a long book by Helmholtz (the famou

The classical answer to this question is given in On the Sensation of Tone As a Physiological Basis for the Theory of Music, a long book by Helmholtz (the famous physicist). He attempts to derive all of Western harmonic practice from physiological considerations. It’s probably controversial, but it’s a fascinating book.