ABSTRACT

Beauty is an abstract notion, linked to numerous aspects of human existence. The act of assessing beauty is tied to the conventions of taste, an idea that may very well have no rational basis. Human beauty is connected to the mind’s states of attraction: the ways in which persons are mutually interested and attracted. Individuals who are known for their beauty are typically described as charming, appealing, pleasant, and beautiful. Human beings have invoked beauty not only through the written word, ornamentations, and tattoos, but also through paintings, songs, and poetry. Beauty can be experienced in the presence of individuals who have a strong sense of solidarity or kindness, or even when these ideas are shared. In these cases, the appreciation of beauty and moral judgment are intrinsically connected, and both experiences are linked to the person’s individuality. An appropriate way to analyze everyday beauty is through the example of a garden.