The subjectivity of beauty, or lack thereof, is a topic on which many have remained divided. We do not doubt that beautiful things, such as natural phenomena and man-made artefacts, exist but the principal problem arises when deciding whether certain aesthetic judgements hold universally.
Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder
What is deemed ‘beautiful’ or ’pleasant’ varies among individuals. How we define beauty may be straightforward but the objects to which we attach the quality of beauty entirely depends on the subject.
Science suggests that beauty is subjective
Studies have shown how physical attractiveness differs among individuals which leads us to believe that beauty is subjective and wholly depends on the judgement of subject.
Beauty is objective and exists independently of any subject. While variations in aesthetic judgment lead us to believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this is a misguided way of thinking.
Beauty exists as a thing in itself
Beauty is a Form, a perfect mind-indepndent idea, which is replicated in material objects that we percieve through our senses. Beauty is unchanging and so in no way can it be in the eye of the beholder.
