Single Idea 2837

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / A. Aesthetic Experience / 5. Natural Beauty]

Full Idea

Nothing that is contrary to nature is fine.

Clarification

'Fine' is the Greek word 'kalon', which also translates as 'beautiful'

Gist of Idea

Nothing contrary to nature is beautiful

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1325b09)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Sinclair,T.A. /Saunders,T. [Penguin 1992], p.400


A Reaction

This seems a rather conservative view, since it rules out submarines, mountaineering and heart transplants.. It depends what we count as 'natural'.