Beauty: A Matter of Taste or Standards?

The Role of Taste and Standards in Beauty Perception

Beauty can often be seen as a subjective concept, a matter of personal taste. Yet, while much of beauty is indeed subjective, there are also elements of it that are based on objective standards. This article aims to explore the balance between taste and standards when it comes to perceptions of beauty, examining how opinions can vary and why we need to appreciate the role of standards in maintaining a level of quality and harmony.

Taste and Standards in the Perception of Beauty

Consider the example of preppy fashion. Preppy girls often judge a guy based on his attire, favoring brands like Abercrombie Fitch for a certain aesthetic. Similarly, the idea that spending money on expensive clothing is a standard of beauty or hygiene is a widely held belief. However, the judgement of whether someone is beautiful or attractive can often be a matter of taste, reflecting the diverse preferences and standards of individuals.

On the other hand, when it comes to more objective perceptions, like the beauty of natural elements such as wildlife, the criteria for what is considered beautiful are more universal and less subjective. Snakes and birds from around the world can be classified into those that are exceptionally beautiful and those that are less so. This dichotomy illustrates the existence of objective beauty standards that are widely accepted.

Why Beauty is Not Solely a Matter of Taste

The belief that beauty is solely a matter of taste is a flawed perspective, as it underestimates the importance of aesthetic standards. Aesthetics, while subjective, should also be guided by certain principles that define what is considered universally appealing and harmonious. This is where standards come into play.

As a designer, I have faced situations where clients have tried to dictate aesthetic standards such as positioning, sizing, and colors. These experiences highlight the insufficiency of the purely taste-driven approach to aesthetics. Such standards serve as a benchmark for what is aesthetically pleasing, providing a common ground for judgment that goes beyond individual preferences.

The idea that aesthetics are purely a matter of taste can lead to abuse and misappropriation. For instance, it can be used to discredit the opinions of those with better taste, shutting them down quickly without adequate consideration. This is a form of intellectual laziness that fails to recognize the importance of objective criteria in maintaining a level of quality and coherence in aesthetics.

Standards in Aesthetics as a Factual Benchmark

Standards in aesthetics are crucial for establishing a factual benchmark. They help to identify and appreciate the elements that constitute beauty in a way that is universally recognized and valued. While art and aesthetics are subjective by nature, pushing the notion to extremes can lead to detrimental outcomes. For example, it can lead to a homogenization of tastes and a loss of diversity in beauty standards.

By acknowledging the importance of standards in aesthetics, we can better appreciate the diversity of tastes while still maintaining a sense of what is generally considered beautiful. This balanced approach recognizes both the subjective and objective aspects of beauty, leading to a richer and more inclusive understanding of what beauty truly is.

In conclusion, while taste undoubtedly plays a significant role in our perception of beauty, there are also objective standards that we should uphold. These standards provide a factual basis for what is universally considered beautiful and help to maintain a level of quality and coherence in aesthetic judgments. By recognizing the importance of aesthetics standards, we can foster a more nuanced and respectful appreciation of beauty.