Final answer:
Beauty can be subjective and differ from person to person. Philosophers have debated the nature of beauty, with some arguing that it is a subjective judgment based on personal feelings, while others believe there are common human truths about beauty. The concept of beauty is explored in the field of aesthetics, which studies the experience of the beautiful and its relation to perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beauty can be subjective and differ from person to person. It is not simply a matter of personal preference, as values and ideals are involved. While personal preferences like ice cream flavors are not expected to be liked by everyone, judgments of art and beauty can be explained and shared with others. For example, while you may not be able to explain why you prefer chocolate ice cream, you can explain why you love a book like Toni Morrison's Beloved and why others should read it too.
In contrast to Plato and Aristotle, Enlightenment philosophers argued that beauty is subjective and based on personal feelings rather than objective qualities of an object. Immanuel Kant believed that aesthetic judgments of beauty are subjective yet common human truths. He argued that people can educate and refine their taste, leading to more informed judgments. However, beauty cannot be reduced to a set of specific characteristics or features.
Beauty is also explored in the field of aesthetics, which is devoted to studying the experience of the beautiful and its relation to perception. It is a response that can evoke feelings of awe, wonder, and joy. The concept of beauty is not limited to man-made art but can also be found in natural phenomena like sunsets or scenic views. Beauty is subjective and can vary based on individual perception and personal experiences.