James Grant, lecturer in philosophy, University of Oxford, discusses Hume's perspective on beauty, the sentiment it evokes, and the standard of taste. They explore the nature of beauty, arguing that it lies in the sentiment of the observer. The podcast also delves into Hume's argument on beauty's universality, the role of practice and comparison in evaluating beauty, and the criteria for identifying true critics of art.
Beauty lies in the sentiment of the observer, not in the properties of the object.
The standard of taste can reconcile various sentiments about beauty, but may not settle disputes involving different temperaments or cultural backgrounds of critics.
Deep dives
Hume's views on the nature of beauty
Hume argues that beauty is not a quality objects have in themselves, but rather lies in the sentiment of the observer. He provides examples, such as the circle and architectural compositions, to support his claim that beauty does not consist in the properties of the object but in the sentiment it evokes.
The standard of taste
Hume introduces the concept of the standard of taste as a rule by which various sentiments about beauty can be reconciled. He argues that true critics, who possess characteristics such as good sense, practice, comparison, delicacy, and freedom from prejudice, can determine which objects are beautiful. However, he acknowledges that differences in sentiments among true critics may arise, but views these as differences in degree of pleasure rather than absolute judgments.
Objections and limitations
Some objections to Hume's standard of taste include questions about how beautiful objects can please everyone and how the standard can settle disputes. Additionally, the objection of circularity is raised, suggesting that Hume's standard relies on already knowing which objects are beautiful. However, Hume's response is that some characteristics, such as good sense and freedom from prejudice, can be determined without prior knowledge of beauty.
Controversial cases and limitations of the standard
Hume recognizes that the standard of taste may not be able to settle disputes in cases involving different temperaments or cultural backgrounds of critics. He also argues that works depicting immoral actions without condemnation diminish their beauty. However, errors in religion or speculative mistakes do not necessarily diminish beauty. Hume concludes that the standard of taste can determine the beauty of objects, especially in cases where disputes arise.