Single Idea 18547

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / A. Aesthetic Experience / 2. Aesthetic Attitude]

Full Idea

Kant is surely right that the experience of beauty, like the judgements in which it issues, is the prerogative of rational beings.

Gist of Idea

Only rational beings can experience beauty

Source

report of Immanuel Kant (Critique of Judgement I: Aesthetic [1790]) by Roger Scruton - Beauty: a very short introduction 1

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Beauty: A Very Short Introduction' [OUP 2011], p.27


A Reaction

I'm not sure how Scruton can say that Kant is 'surely right'. It is an interesting speculation. Are we to dogmatically affirm that bees get no aesthetic thrill when they spot a promising flower? Something in their little brains attracts them.