THL1501 Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026 Memo | Due Date 24 April 2026

(TWO ESSAYS PROVIDED) An Argument for the Objective Use of “Beauty” and “Aesthetics” Introduction The concepts of “beauty” and “aesthetics” have long been central to philosophical debate in the philosophy of art. Many thinkers argue that these concepts are subjective and depend on individual taste or cultural background. Marcia Eaton (1998), as cited in the Study Guide, highlights the difficulty of defining “beauty” and “aesthetics” because they seem to vary across cultures and individuals (Eaton, 1998; Study Guide). Despite this, it is still possible to argue that these concepts can be defined objectively. While aesthetic experience involves subjective perception, there are shared structural, cognitive, and cultural principles that allow for objective understanding and evaluation of beauty. This essay argues that beauty and aesthetics can be defined objectively by examining Eaton’s arguments and showing that variation in taste does not eliminate the possibility of underlying universal principles (Eaton, 1998). Eaton’s Problem of Defining Beauty Marcia Eaton argues that defining beauty is difficult because it does not refer to fixed physical properties in objects but depends on human perception and cultural context (Eaton, 1998). What one person or culture considers beautiful may be considered ordinary or even unattractive by another. This variation suggests that beauty is not an objective property of objects but a subjective response. Eaton uses cross-cultural examples to support this claim. For instance, Western traditions often value symmetry, harmony, and proportion in art, while other cultures may prioritize symbolic meaning, spiritual expression, or emotional intensity rather than formal balance (Eaton, 1998; Study Guide). This diversity appears to challenge the idea of universal aesthetic standards. From this perspective, beauty seems to be relative. If aesthetic judgment changes across time and culture, then it becomes difficult to define beauty in objective terms. However, although Eaton demonstrates variation, variation alone does not prove that no objective principles exist (Eaton, 1998). Subjectivity and Shared Human Perception Even though aesthetic experience is subjective, human perception is not entirely random. Humans share biological and cognitive structures that influence what they find pleasing. For example, people across cultures tend to respond positively to patterns, symmetry, and balance (Study Guide). This suggests that there may be universal tendencies in aesthetic appreciation. These tendencies do not eliminate subjectivity but shape it within certain limits. Eaton’s argument shows diversity in taste, but this diversity still operates within shared perceptual frameworks (Eaton, 1998). For example, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is widely regarded as beautiful across different cultures and time periods. Its composition, balance, and subtle expression are consistently appreciated (Study Guide). Even though viewers may interpret the painting differently, they still recognise its formal qualities. This suggests that beauty can be linked to identifiable structural features. Therefore, while perception is subjective, it is guided by shared cognitive structures, which allows for objective analysis of aesthetic properties.