Philosophy

Plato’s Argument on Beauty

Plato’s Argument on Beauty

According to Plato, metaphysical ideas of beauty and courage are objectively real. For instance, for beauty, it is not about the experiences of the observer but the qualities of the object that he conceives as a perfect unity and a principle of integration itself. Plato argues that beauty possesses an objective quality, existing independently of the relationship with the object to a perceiver. Hence, its beauty does not depend on personal evaluation or judgement. Extensive illustration of Plato’s view on beauty is explained through the theory of Ideal Forms. He argues, “Beauty resides in proper measure and size of parts that fit harmoniously into a seamless whole.” Therefore, when judging the beauty of a person or object, it is dependent on the qualities and forms that fit harmoniously to establish the object instead of judging using emotions on a personal level.

We can conclude that Plato’s theory of ideal forms and arguments on beauty is not in alignment with the notions that we invent ideas such as beauty in our minds whenever we want to, but we define the beauty of an object depending on its qualities and characteristics. I believe the real objective ideas of beauty and courage are long gone. Objectively we focus on the object that causes the experience; however, we need to judge subjectively to understand our experiences to show pleasure or displeasure. Today we say beauty and love are in the eyes of the beholder or seeker and not the object. For instance beauty among women has become about the idea of perfection, but describing and appreciating the woman requires more than the object beauty we see or looks, we must strive for their inner beauty, character, and personality for us to determine whether they are beautiful or not. I believe beauty is more than looks or qualities harmoniously coming together to form a seamless whole.