Our next meetings topic is Beauty:
A word we use to describe loveliness, allure and appeal. But by what scale of measurement do we base our judgments? Who’s “standard” do we follow? Is there a scientific way to evaluate beauty? Physiognomy; which is derived from the Greek “for judgment(gnomon) on nature(physis)”, is historically recorded as an activity which seeks to understand personality and identity by analyzing the body and, above all, especially the face. Followers of this ancient practice believed that the human body emanates the very contours of the soul, much like a glove shows every curve and crevice of the hand it is containing. On this premise one concludes that beautiful souls would naturally reside in beautiful bodies. Does this mean only those who are deemed as physically attractive are just as virtuous? What would this mean for those deemed unattractive? Does this imply they are bad people lacking morality? I was always taught looks can be deceiving, and never to judge a book by it’s cover, it is what is on the inside that is important and has substance.
Join the Philosophy Club Thursday at 11:15 by the clock tower, we enjoy the intellectually stimulating discussions, all are welcome!
Think about it:
- What moves you to behold a person or inanimate object as beautiful or not beautiful?
- Do we unknowingly base our judgments on others character by purely physical attributes?
- Should there be a “standard” for measuring beauty?
-Mitra
Great job, Mitra. The topic was full of dark corners to shine lights on and everybody in attendance had varied, interesting perspectives.
Thanx Karim!