THL1501 Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026 - Due 24 April 2026

THL1501
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 24 APRIL 2026

, THL1501 ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2026

DUE 24 APRIL 2026



Question 1: Defining Beauty and Aesthetics Objectively



Question 1:

In her book, Basic Issues in Aesthetics (1998), cited in the Study Guide,

Marcia Eaton discusses the difficulties with defining the terms “beauty” and
“aesthetics.” Referring to this excerpt, in an essay of 500-800 words, argue that it
is possible for these terms to be used objectively despite arguments to the
contrary. In other words, argue that it possible to define what “beauty” and
“aesthetics” are. You may refer to the examples Eaton uses but can also provide
your own. Include your references to the Study Guide both in-text and in a
bibliography.



In her discussion of aesthetics, Marcia Eaton raises important questions about whether
we can define terms like "beauty" and "aesthetics" objectively. She shows how people
often disagree about what is beautiful, and how the same features can be used to
support opposite judgments (Study Guide, p. 49-50). Some might argue that because
people disagree, beauty must be purely subjective"in the eye of the beholder."
However, I will argue that despite these challenges, we can still use these terms
objectively.