The concept of beauty has changed throughout history. From the romanticised notion of beauty that was prevalent in the Middle Ages, to the more scientifically precise definitions of beauty that were introduced in the Renaissance, it has been subject to numerous changes. It has also been exploited by many groups to harness power. Beauty products have been marketed as individualistic, and are often sold as a way to gain control over one’s self-image. But as we see with the Kardashian-esque definition of beauty, this is an outdated view of beauty.
A number of theories are available for the origin of the concept of beauty. Some argue that it is a natural consequence of evolution, while others contend that it is a byproduct of social status. In any event, the concept of beauty has come a long way.
For instance, Plotinus, who lived in the early fourth century, observed that beauty is not merely a combination of physical attributes, but is a manifestation of God’s grace. He also noticed that there are abstract rules governing aesthetics.
Similarly, the hedonist conceptions of beauty are based on the idea that a beautiful object will be pleasing to the senses and bring a corresponding feeling of pleasure. Other conceptions of beauty posit that beauty combines aesthetic principles, such as the symmetry of a face, with its function, such as providing a perceptual experience to the moral sense.
One example of a multi-faceted concept of beauty is that of the’sweet spot’. This is a spot where order and chaos meet. To define this, Sagmeister and Walsh use an equation M = O/C.
Other examples of the multi-faceted concept of beauty include the’mirror effect’, which reflects the idea that the ideal look for a person can change depending on the context of the individual. Likewise, there is also the’memory effect’, which reveals that the perception of a particular thing can change over time.
Another example of the multi-faceted concept of beauty is the notion of attraction. Attraction is an evolutionary mechanism that helps humans choose mates. It is also an important element in the search for true love. These concepts are relevant to the search for beauty in the modern age.
Finally, there are the ‘game changers’, such as Alan Moore and his book, “The Business Case for Beauty” and Picasso and his “Mont Saint-Victoire.” Those are the ones who went against the grain of traditional beauty standards.
As with any other theory, there are several criteria that a unified theory of beauty must satisfy. Kant, for instance, could not explain why a concept like beauty is an intuition that inspires a sense of purpose. However, Aquinas, in his explanation of the’mirror effect’, provides an elegant explanation that answers this question. His explanation is based on the fact that aesthetics are byproducts of good design, and thus, must be considered a byproduct of good design.
For all of these reasons, a definition of beauty is essential for any design project. However, it is worth pointing out that the concept of beauty is subjective. Moreover, if you have ever seen the Kardashian-esque definition of beauty, you will realize that it is a big ass.