Beauty is the quality that is most often associated with a work of art, or any other object that people admire. The term can also refer to the physical qualities of a person, such as their appearance or hairstyle.
Historically, beauty has been one of the most debated topics in philosophy and aesthetics, with many different approaches to the question. The most commonly disputed issue is whether beauty is objective or subjective.
Subjectivity
Most philosophers have believed that the experience of beauty is primarily subjective and that there are no universal criteria. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, German philosophers such as Kant believed that there was no need for a universal definition of beauty because all experiences of beauty are necessarily subjective. They were concerned that the concept of beauty might become a source of conflict and that, if it is not objective, it could lose its place as an important value.
Aristotle and other classical philosophers considered beauty to be the product of rational order and harmonious proportions. For example, Aristotle stated that “the symmetry of parts towards each other and towards a whole, with, besides, a certain charm of color, constitutes the beauty recognized by the eye.”
In his Poetics, Aristotle wrote that “to be beautiful is to present a certain degree of definiteness in its arrangement of parts” (volume 2, 2322 [1450b34]). Mathematicians have long been interested in the connection between mathematics and beauty, particularly in terms of the golden ratio.
As Aristotle said, “Every whole made up of parts must arouse the feelings of love and affection in the heart, as it presents a symmetrical, orderly arrangement.” The principles of symmetry, proportion, and harmony are present in architecture, sculpture, music, and literature from ancient Greece to modern times.
The symmetry of the human body is an example of beauty, as are the lines of an apple or the curved contours of a flower. A woman’s lips are another example of beauty, as are her eyes and her hair.
Taking time to appreciate the differences between yourself and others is one way to find your true beauty, as is learning how to love and respect your body for what it is instead of trying to alter it to fit into a mold. Having an inner peace and knowing that you are perfect just as you are helps to foster your self-confidence, which will lead to a healthy body image.
Achieving your self-confidence takes time and effort, but it is worth the effort to create a positive body image. It can even lead to better relationships with your partner and improve your mental health.
While this process might seem daunting, it’s possible to break down the various aspects of your perception of beauty into a list of “beauty influences.” Once you have a clearer idea of what you truly consider beautiful, you can take steps to improve the way you look and feel.
Achieving your true self is the most natural and beautiful way to be. It is also the most effective way to find happiness.