, THL1501 Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026 - DUE 24 April 2026
QUESTION 1 (30 Marks)
The concepts of “beauty” and “aesthetics” have long been debated
within philosophy, with scholars such as Marcia Eaton highlighting the
difficulty of defining them in fixed and universally accepted terms.
While it is true that individual perceptions and cultural differences
influence how people experience beauty, it is still possible to use the
terms “beauty” and “aesthetics” in an objective manner. Furthermore,
these concepts can be meaningfully defined through shared standards,
common human responses, and structured analysis within aesthetic
theory.
One of the main arguments against objectivity in beauty is that it is
subjective—often summarised in the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the
beholder.” Eaton acknowledges that people’s judgments about beauty
can vary widely depending on personal taste, cultural background, and
emotional state (Study Guide, citing Eaton, 1998). However, this does
not necessarily eliminate the possibility of objectivity. Instead, it
suggests that while individual responses differ, there are still underlying
patterns and criteria that guide aesthetic judgments.
Firstly, objectivity in aesthetics can be supported by the existence of
widely accepted standards. For example, in art and design, principles
such as balance, symmetry, harmony, and proportion are consistently
used to evaluate works. A painting that demonstrates careful
composition and balance is more likely to be regarded as aesthetically
pleasing across different audiences. Similarly, in architecture, structures
like classical buildings are often admired for their symmetry and
proportion. These recurring standards indicate that there are objective
elements that contribute to judgments of beauty, even if
interpretations vary slightly.
QUESTION 1 (30 Marks)
The concepts of “beauty” and “aesthetics” have long been debated
within philosophy, with scholars such as Marcia Eaton highlighting the
difficulty of defining them in fixed and universally accepted terms.
While it is true that individual perceptions and cultural differences
influence how people experience beauty, it is still possible to use the
terms “beauty” and “aesthetics” in an objective manner. Furthermore,
these concepts can be meaningfully defined through shared standards,
common human responses, and structured analysis within aesthetic
theory.
One of the main arguments against objectivity in beauty is that it is
subjective—often summarised in the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the
beholder.” Eaton acknowledges that people’s judgments about beauty
can vary widely depending on personal taste, cultural background, and
emotional state (Study Guide, citing Eaton, 1998). However, this does
not necessarily eliminate the possibility of objectivity. Instead, it
suggests that while individual responses differ, there are still underlying
patterns and criteria that guide aesthetic judgments.
Firstly, objectivity in aesthetics can be supported by the existence of
widely accepted standards. For example, in art and design, principles
such as balance, symmetry, harmony, and proportion are consistently
used to evaluate works. A painting that demonstrates careful
composition and balance is more likely to be regarded as aesthetically
pleasing across different audiences. Similarly, in architecture, structures
like classical buildings are often admired for their symmetry and
proportion. These recurring standards indicate that there are objective
elements that contribute to judgments of beauty, even if
interpretations vary slightly.
