In what sense will you define beauty? Give some arguments for subjective and objective understanding of the concept of beauty
Introduction
Beauty is a central concept in aesthetics and metaphysics. It refers to the quality that gives pleasure to the senses or the mind. Philosophers have debated whether beauty is an inherent property of objects (objective) or a matter of individual perception (subjective).
Subjective Understanding
From a subjective standpoint, beauty lies in the “eye of the beholder.” What one person finds beautiful, another might not. This view is supported by cultural diversity and personal taste. According to thinkers like David Hume and Immanuel Kant, aesthetic judgments are based on emotional response and internal perception, not on the object itself.
Objective Understanding
In contrast, the objective view suggests that beauty is a real, discoverable property. Classical philosophers like Plato and Aristotle believed that beauty is rooted in harmony, proportion, and order. These features can be measured and observed, suggesting that beauty exists independent of observers.
Conclusion
Beauty may involve both subjective feelings and objective criteria. While personal experience plays a role, patterns of symmetry and balance in nature and art suggest some universal standards. Thus, beauty can be viewed as both personally meaningful and universally appreciable.