Various philosophical schools have defined beauty differently, ranging from the classical to hedonist. Santayana defined beauty as the relation between the parts that make up an object. The hedonist conception defines beauty as an object that causes pleasure. In this view, beauty is not a higher value than entertainment or truth, but is instead a subjective experience derived from the love or affection the observer feels for it. The hedonist view of beauty emphasizes the relationship between beauty and pleasure.
The resurgence of interest in beauty dates back to the 1990s, which is centered on the work of art critic Dave Hickey. Feminist reconstruals of beauty also emerged during this time. The antinomy of taste, which many critics argue persists in defining beauty, was also explored by several theorists. This demonstrates the importance of examining and challenging the stereotypical notions of beauty and its relationship to taste.
While there is no definitive definition of beauty, it is evident in many manifestations of nature. Simple things like nautilus shells, eucalyptus trees in full bloom, and swirling galaxies are examples of beauty in nature. Even the simplest of objects, like molecules, cells, and organisms, speak to our imagination and wonder. And even scientific explorations can reveal beauty. But what is beauty, anyway?
Over the last few centuries, beauty has been associated with many problematic aspects. Beauty has often been associated with gender, race, and other aspects of oppression, and has become a political football. In the twentieth century, beauty became associated with capitalism. Great artists were sometimes devoted to furnishing the homes of the rich. These works, however, could also conceal the suffering and hardships of ordinary people. Thus, we must be careful not to underestimate the role of beauty in our daily lives.
The exploration of beauty has been a key theme for women in art throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. Examples of this are Georgia O’Keeffe’s flowers and Judy Chicago’s “Dinner Party” place settings. In addition to visual artists, performance artists also explore the role of beauty in the world, especially in the context of objectification. It has the potential to make people think about the meaning of beauty. And it can help them resist the oppression.
In the Arab World, beauty has a very different meaning. In the Arab World, beauty reaches all regions and is synonymous with a beautiful soul. It can also refer to beautiful eyes and skin. People from these countries value beauty differently. It is not just about their looks, but also the sumptuousness of their lives. It is a cultural and social construct and is a powerful influence on beauty. For example, Arab women are famous for applying various oils to their hair.