Whether it be in nature, architecture, music or theater, beauty is the element that makes us feel positive or grateful. It’s a key part of what makes a piece of art “art.”
Definition of Beauty
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, beauty is “The qualities that make an object beautiful.” The term is most often used to describe an item that is attractive or pleasing to the eye. But it also refers to a person’s overall appearance or personality.
The word “beauty” has been around since the Middle Ages and has been a central concept in philosophy, religion and mythology. It is a concept that has undergone many changes and continues to evolve as we learn more about how we see the world.
Modern views of beauty include:
In the past, most philosophers believed that beauty was an objective quality or a property of objects. This view was common among the ancient Greeks, who looked at beauty through a metaphysical lens that connected it to the Forms or the ultimate reality of things. It was also prevalent in ancient Rome, where Plato and Aristotle believed that beauty was a moral or spiritual quality and was the source of delight in an object.
Aristotle thought that beauty was the result of a craftsman’s ability to create an orderly and precise arrangement of the parts that make up a good work of art. Aristotle also believed that beauty was related to love and desire, which is why he thought it was important for an object to be beautiful if it were to be appreciated by a lover or by God.
Later, in the eighteenth century, many philosophers began to believe that beauty was a subjective state of mind or mood. This led to a range of different philosophical accounts, some of which are listed below.
Kant’s account of beauty is primarily concerned with disinterested pleasure. It is a form of hedonism, and Kant’s philosophy emphasizes that the pleasure derived from the experience of beauty comes from an objective value. In contrast, the ecstatic neo-Platonism of Plotinus locates beauty in the unity of the Form and calls it out to be admired as a gift of the divine.
Early Christian and Jewish writers, on the other hand, thought that beauty was a feeling that came from an objective reality. During the Middle Ages, this concept of beauty was seen as a moral or spiritual value and was connected to feelings of love and desire.
Despite the negative attitudes toward beauty in the past, the concept continues to have an important place in many cultures. Women’s rights advocates have been working hard to reclaim this concept and to use it in ways that do not enslave or demoralize women.
Several studies have shown that people who have a sense of beauty in their lives are happier than those who don’t. They are more satisfied with their lives, have a stronger connection to family and friends, and are better equipped to deal with life’s challenges. They are also more compassionate and thoughtful about other people’s needs, which makes them a great role model for children.