Beauty – A Fundamental Objective of Society
Beauty is often defined as the subjective perception of a physical or non-physical feature of things that makes these things enjoyable to see. Such things as beautiful sunsets, landscapes, beautiful humans and creative works of art. Beauty, along with beauty and art, is often the central topic of aesthetic artistry, another of the three major branches of modern art. The three branches are literature, visual art and music. It should be noted though, that while literature is subjective in nature, visual art and music are objective.
The term ‘character-expressionist theory’ (which was first used by Cubists like Picasso) refers to the tendency to locate the central motif or ‘character’ of a work within the physical appearance of a person, thing or situation. For Picasso, it was not simply the beauty of a work of art but also the aesthetic value of a human being. According to this theory, we do not see a work of art, but we see a person. This person has an inner beauty that can be perceived only by the eye or ‘the eye of consciousness’. The idea here is that we should learn to see a person not as an object of knowledge or art, but as a beloved human being. We should see the person as an extension or personality of ourselves.
However, there are some scholars who dispute this view. They argue that the value of human beauty is found outside the given boundaries of art – that the value of human beauty lies within the human body. According to this view, beauty exists independent of its physical appearance. There are several arguments for this view. Emphasis is laid on the fact that throughout history people have tried to influence others through physical symbols, whether these symbols are language dance, or cosmetics.
Moreover, although it is argued that beauty is subjective, beauty can be objectively measured and studied using a series of objective techniques such as the Female Attitude Index (FAA). However, there are many arguments that such empirical research methodology is not enough to establish the nature of human beauty. For instance, some claim that the changes in the facial expression of individuals can provide information about their inner beauty. However, the results of such studies are controversial and many find them irrelevant.
If beauty is judged based on physical appearance, it is possible that all individuals will have very similar physical appearances. Unfortunately, it is also possible that all individuals will have very different physical appearances. This problem was addressed by the New York State Department of Education’s Office of Fair and Accurate Reporting (OFE) in 2003. Under the policy adopted by the office, “The significance of correcting for an imperfect score is that it leaves everyone with the same ‘weight’–if everyone’s score is imperfect, then no one is perfect,’ which, in practical terms, means that we will still be able to determine whether or not a person is ‘beautiful’ or not based on his or her physical appearance.” The state agency has also adopted a policy called the “guideline for fair and accurate reporting,” which commits school districts to make reasonable accommodations for students who may be defined to have some difficulty achieving the definition of beauty.
In recent years, cosmetic surgeons have developed technological and medical ways to make the idea of beauty more appealing to patients. They offer products that promise a long and healthy life, as well as services to improve the physical appearance of patients who may have some difficulty achieving the perceived beauty they think is attainable. Many people view cosmetic surgery as a necessary evil. However, others consider it an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives.