In: Economics
In fewer than 500 words, argue that beauty is an objective quality,and not a subjective taste.5(Hint: first, define beauty in a reasonable manner. Then,destroy the subjective argument, by showing that it is logically empty based on yourdefinition.)
Reconceptualize variance in appearance as a multi-dimensional space rather than as a continuum. Some of the measurements are "hardwired" and profoundly physiological, but others are environmentally friendly and maleable. There are two main aspects in biology: symmetry and secondary characteristics of gender. The second biological aspect is linked to exaggerated sexual features. There are many beautiful kids who are extremely symmetrical, but in the least these kids are not sexually attractive because they have not manifested this beauty aspect. Although one would expect to compare the two biological characters, the comparison is incomplete.
There are people who have striking secondary sexual characteristics, but due to sub-average symmetry, they are not attractive in their facial characteristics. Conversely, there are individuals that display attenuated sexual characteristics but have traditional faces that are symmetrical and extremely species-like. Another issue to consider is that in the other, secondary sexual characteristics considered attractive in one sex may not be attractive. This differs qualitatively from the symmetry case, where both sexes stand to gain.
The "subjective" aspect of beauty is simply that every individual human being is a completely unique and unrepeatable thought of God, and that the way we perceive the world is also unique and unrepeatable; so we can interpret the beauty of God (and the beauty of His creation) in a unique and unrepeatable way. So you may be bored with something that takes away my breath with its elegance altogether. This is an expression of our subjectivity, but not a contrast to beauty's objective value. We as human beings are rather limited, whereas Beauty is unlimited as an objective reality
In things themselves, beauty is not a quality: it exists only in the mind that contemplates them, and each mind perceives a different beauty. One person may even perceive deformity where another is sensitive to beauty; and each individual should acknowledge his or her own feeling without trying to control others ' feelings. Beauty is both subjective and objective. Beauty comes in frequency and degrees. Beauty to the beholder's eye is eternal and real. It's true for the perceiver. Beauty is profound. Beauty is fine, whatever you say.
Beauty is subjective to a high degree. You can add any equation you want, but what humans say is the only meaningful measure, and we humans have a lot of disagreement about beauty. When beauty is objective, we should be able to point out and agree with the most beautiful person. That is not to suggest that the concept of beauty is meaningless. There are people who would be appealing to few people and people who would find attractive to nearly all. But if we try to run people in order, we will find that there is considerable disagreement among people. Contrast that with something like height that is objective.