Why is the whole note used as reference for "note length"?

Question

We have a whole note, and then half note, quarter note, eighth, etc. I am wondering, why is it that way? If we think in term of beat, then the quarter note is the reference: there are 2 eighth note in a quarter note, 4 16th note, etc. When using a metronome, a beat is also the atomic unit. Thus, why not using a system where a 8th note is... A half note (2 per beat)? I don't think anyone thinks as a 32nd note as a note "that's repeated 32 times in a 4/4 measure". A "note, the length of which is 1/8th of a beat" sounds easier and more concrete to me.

Answer 1

I'm unsure why exactly it is called "whole" when the word suggests that the note is complete and full and at the top of the hierarchy. Until you learn about longer notes... You mention a point that many musicians take issue with. Our notation system is far from perfect. I constantly remind my students that everything is context dependent, like you rightly say. Another argument is the use of measure (bar) lines altogether!

Might I suggest the alternative terms? Breve, crotchet, quaver etc? :-)