THL1501
ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 13 September 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than …September 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1: Defining “Beauty” and “Aesthetics” Objectively
Introduction
In Basic Issues in Aesthetics (1998), Marcia Eaton explores the complex challenge of defining
"beauty" and "aesthetics." While these terms are often considered highly subjective, it is possible
to approach them with an objective perspective. Beauty and aesthetics are typically seen as matters
of personal taste, influenced by individual preferences and cultural contexts. However, through the
application of universal principles and criteria—such as symmetry, proportion, and emotional
response—we can establish more objective definitions. This essay will argue that by identifying
common standards and underlying features, we can develop a consistent and objective framework
for understanding beauty and aesthetics, thus bridging the gap between subjective perceptions and
universal criteria.
Eaton’s Discussion of Beauty and Aesthetics
Eaton points out that many people view beauty as inherently subjective—what one person finds
beautiful may not be the same for another. She illustrates how beauty can be culturally and
contextually dependent, such as how an ancient sculpture may be deemed beautiful by art
ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER 2)
DUE DATE: 13 September 2024
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than …September 2024. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1: Defining “Beauty” and “Aesthetics” Objectively
Introduction
In Basic Issues in Aesthetics (1998), Marcia Eaton explores the complex challenge of defining
"beauty" and "aesthetics." While these terms are often considered highly subjective, it is possible
to approach them with an objective perspective. Beauty and aesthetics are typically seen as matters
of personal taste, influenced by individual preferences and cultural contexts. However, through the
application of universal principles and criteria—such as symmetry, proportion, and emotional
response—we can establish more objective definitions. This essay will argue that by identifying
common standards and underlying features, we can develop a consistent and objective framework
for understanding beauty and aesthetics, thus bridging the gap between subjective perceptions and
universal criteria.
Eaton’s Discussion of Beauty and Aesthetics
Eaton points out that many people view beauty as inherently subjective—what one person finds
beautiful may not be the same for another. She illustrates how beauty can be culturally and
contextually dependent, such as how an ancient sculpture may be deemed beautiful by art
