Is a blobfish beautiful or ugly? Science, aesthetics and the natural world
Philosopher's Zone
00:00
Functionality and Aesthetics in Nature
This chapter delves into the philosophical aspects of natural function, examining etiological and causal role functions in biology. It explores the interplay between aesthetic judgments and biological features, using examples like pugs and blobfish to illustrate how functionality can influence perceptions of beauty and ugliness. The chapter raises important questions about the subjective nature of aesthetic preferences and the challenges they pose for environmental ethics.
Transcript
Play full episode
