The relationship between beauty and moral character from "summary" of The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis
In the experience of the beautiful we may conclude that the object is not only admirable, but worthy of admiration. We do not merely say that it pleases us, but that it is pleasing. We are not merely expressing our own subjective state of mind; we are making a claim about the object itself. Our experience of beauty points beyond itself to a standard of value that exists independently of our own preferences. Similarly, our perception of the moral quality of a person's character is not merely a matter of personal opinion or cultural conditioning. We recognize that certain actions are truly good or truly evil, regardless of our individual perspectives. Just as with beauty, our moral judgments imply an objective standard of value that transcends any particular i...
Similar Posts
Giving is a blessing
It is when you give of yourself that you truly receive. For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear yo...
The role of reason in guiding moral choices
In the pursuit of making moral choices, reason plays a crucial role as a guiding principle. It is through the application of re...
Emotions can lead to profound insights
The idea that emotions can lead to profound insights challenges traditional philosophical views that emotions are irrational an...
Beauty is a symbol of moral harmony
In considering the concept of beauty as a symbol of moral harmony, we must first acknowledge the fundamental connection between...
Beauty can evoke a wide range of emotions
Beauty, being a powerful force in our lives, has the ability to stir up various emotions within us. When we encounter something...
Aesthetic pleasure is a form of intellectual enjoyment
Aesthetic pleasure, although closely linked with sensory experience, is not purely a physical sensation. It involves a mental c...