The concept of beauty has been a matter of debate for centuries. Beauty is a perceptual experience that connects observers with an object. Several philosophers have contributed to the discussion of this elusive art form. In the twentieth century, beauty’s popularity declined, allowing other, more urgent projects to take center stage.
The classic definition of beauty is the arrangement of integral parts into a coherent whole. This definition is often embodied in classical and neo-classical architecture. Another example is the concept of symmetry, which refers to the beauty of two symmetrical parts arranged towards each other.
Another well-known concept is pleasure, which is a central component of the experience of beauty. Similarly, the concept of fairness is another laudable attribute of beauty.
Other notable aspects of beauty are the many ways it has been subsumed by other more important concepts. Often, the concept of beauty is equated with craftsmanship and the production of fine arts. For the most part, this approach has been problematic.
The most significant component of the concept of beauty is the concept of symmetry. This concept was first put to use by philosophers like Plato and Aristotle who interpreted the idea of symmetry in an abstract, theoretical way. However, the concept of symmetry has a real-world counterpart, which is embodied in the beauty of colour.
On the other hand, the most important function of a symmetrical tangle is that it provides a pleasingly satisfying perceptual experience to the human eye. Moreover, beauty can be seen as the product of a combination of several factors, such as the shape of the parts, the arrangement of the parts and the presence of a particular shade of color. Likewise, it also has a role to play in the process of the creation of fine art.
The best definition of beauty is a matter of personal preference, as people have different reasons for appreciating what they see. The concept of beauty has been contested in the past, particularly in the nineteenth century, where its popularity waned. During the early twenty-first century, interest in the concept of beauty has resurfaced. Interestingly, interest in the concept of beauty has also been associated with women. Female consciousness has become a dominant force in twentieth-century societies.
Among the more intriguing facets of the concept of beauty is the way that it has been incorporated into various social and political functions. Politicians and others have used it to justify their actions and to discredit those of their opponents. Similarly, artists have sought to reclaim its place in the cultural lexicon.
As the twentieth century ended and the twenty-first century began, many people have questioned the validity of the classical concept of beauty. This has led to some interesting reinterpretations of the concept. Probably the most impressive of these reinterpretations has been the work of art critic Dave Hickey. Among other things, he has re-introduced symmetry into the definition of beauty.
There are several other controversies surrounding the concept of beauty. Some theorists argue that it is a mere visual illusion that can be attributed to the enlightened eye of the divine. Others maintain that the concept of beauty is more complicated than this.