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Single Idea 18541

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / f. Ultimate value ]

Full Idea

The status of beauty as an ultimate value is questionable, in the way that the status of truth and goodness are not.

Gist of Idea

Beauty (unlike truth and goodness) is questionable as an ultimate value

Source

Roger Scruton (Beauty: a very short introduction [2011], 1)

Book Ref

Scruton,Roger: 'Beauty: A Very Short Introduction' [OUP 2011], p.3


A Reaction

We suspect that a love of beauty may be a bit parochial, where it is hard to conceive of living creatures anywhere in the cosmos who don't value the other two.


The 11 ideas from 'Beauty: a very short introduction'

Do aesthetic reasons count as reasons, if they are rejectable without contradiction? [Scruton]
Defining truth presupposes that there can be a true definition [Scruton]
The pleasure taken in beauty also aims at understanding and valuing [Scruton]
Maybe 'beauty' is too loaded, and we should talk of fittingness or harmony [Scruton]
Beauty (unlike truth and goodness) is questionable as an ultimate value [Scruton]
Natural beauty reassures us that the world is where we belong [Scruton]
Croce says art makes inarticulate intuitions conscious; rival views say the audience is the main concern [Scruton]
Art gives us imaginary worlds which we can view impartially [Scruton]
Beauty shows us what we should want in order to achieve human fulfilment [Scruton]
Prostitution is wrong because it hardens the soul, since soul and body are one [Scruton]
Beauty is rationally founded, inviting meaning, comparison and self-reflection [Scruton]