Video - Beyond the Surface: The Philosophical Quest for Beauty

What makes something beautiful? Is it merely the symmetry of a face or the vibrant colors of a sunset, or is there something much deeper at play? Philosophers have grappled with the concept of beauty for centuries, acknowledging its profound impact on human experience. For Plato, beauty resided in the transcendental realm of forms, a reflection of divine perfection. Yet, David Hume contended that beauty is not an inherent quality but rather a sentiment experienced by the observer, leading us to confront subjectivity. Immanuel Kant added complexity by asserting that beauty stems from a harmonious interplay between understanding and imagination, suggesting a universal aesthetic sensibility. But what does this mean for us? Are we forever bound by our subjective experiences, or can we tap into a universal sense of beauty transcending individual preference? While the debate continues, maybe the true essence of beauty lies in its ability to provoke thought, inspire creativity, and connect us more deeply with the world and each other. Beauty, it seems, is an evolving dialogue — one that challenges us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the profound interconnectedness of all things.