Beauty - Classic Text | Alexandria
Beauty by Roger Scruton is more than a simple aesthetic consideration; it represents a robust philosophical defense of beauty as an essential and objective human value, against the tide of modern relativism and subjectivism. Published in 2009, the book challenges the contemporary notion that beauty is merely "in the eye of the beholder," proposing instead that it is a real and vital aspect of the world, crucial for human flourishing. It is not an overstatement to say that the book, with its elegant prose and passionate arguments, offers a beacon of light in our modern world, and that it deserves a place of honour in the history of aesthetics and philosophical inquiry.
While interpretations of beauty have shifted throughout history, Scruton’s framework draws heavily from classical and Enlightenment thinkers like Plato, Kant, and Hegel. These philosophers believed beauty holds the key to understanding ourselves and navigating the world around us. Beauty can be found in nature, humans, and art. In contrast, the postmodern world does not value beauty because it is often viewed in modern society as being superficial and elitist. Scruton aims to correct the modern view of beauty through an intellectual pursuit involving reason and knowledge.
Roger Scruton's Beauty ignited a global conversation, influencing artists, architects, and cultural commentators to reassess their understanding of aesthetics and its role in society. The book has inspired exhibitions and debates on the importance of beauty in everything from urban planning to personal relationships. The book encourages people to seek out beauty in the world around them, promoting more fulfilling lives.
Beauty leaves us pondering some crucial questions: Is our relentless pursuit of the "new" blinding us to the enduring significance of beauty? In a world increasingly defined by utility and efficiency, can we afford to neglect the timeless human need for aesthetic experience? Scruton’s work ultimately encourages us to re-evaluate our relationship with beauty and its capacity to enrich our lives and deepen our understanding of the world.