Traditional theories of beauty are questioned by the political and economic entanglements of beauty. Capitalism uses beauty to manipulate and exploit its population. Many Marxists believed that the arts should expose the shadowy underbelly of capitalism and invoke an inspiring communist future. In contrast, Stalinist socialist realism explicitly rejects aestheticized beauty as an end in itself, focusing instead on urgent social tasks. As a result, the critics of beauty apply a broader, more generalized critique to all forms of beauty.
Throughout the twentieth century, an interest in beauty was reborn. The work of art critic Dave Hickey prompted an interest in the subject, as were feminist-oriented reconstruals of beauty. In addition to refashioning the concept, some theorists attempted to address the antinomy of taste, a concept that is fundamental to the idea of beauty. But there have been many other developments over the years. Regardless of the era, beauty is a complex issue.
While the experience of beauty is largely subjective, it is important to remember that it is a universal experience. Beauty is the process of a work of art that is meant to delight the senses. Thus, beauty should remain a matter of individual discernment, and not be determined by art critics. This is particularly true in the world of art, where the tension between individual taste and popular acceptance of aesthetic principles is always at work. We should remember this tension.
As a result, a sense of purpose is necessary to cultivate beauty. In a company, this is accomplished through an enduring sense of purpose. One good example is Patagonia, which attracts highly creative individuals and fosters a positive environment. People who are engaged in a company with a sense of purpose are more likely to buy more products and recommend it to their friends. Further, those who are happy with their work feel more satisfied and contented in their lives.
Berkeley also described the concept of beauty as a kind of objectified pleasure. In other words, a beauty judgment reacts to an object causing pleasure. This is similar to how people experience beauty. The object that causes pleasure is beautiful, while the object that creates pleasure is not. This definition of beauty is a powerful and profound one. Moreover, despite the many complexities and contradictions inherent in the concept of beauty, it is an essential part of our daily lives.
The definition of beauty has evolved throughout history, and has become increasingly rationalized as time goes on. During the Renaissance, plumpness was seen as a sign of wealth, while “heroin chic” waifs were viewed as beautiful in the 1990s. Today, a rational understanding of beauty seeks to boil down the essence of beauty into models and formulas. This has a detrimental effect on people who are gender diverse. If the standard of beauty becomes more rigid, it will stifle the expression of beauty.
Kant’s treatment of beauty contains obvious elements of hedonism. The ecstatic neo-Platonism of Plotinus also includes the unity of object and the call to love. Similarly, some philosophers have associated beauty with use and uselessness. In other words, beauty is a subjective, personal experience. The best account of beauty is one that emphasizes the value of beauty, not the object itself.
