Propuesta para una definición de belleza

Abstract

After suggesting that most of the better known descriptions or definitions of Beauty may be grouped in four different groups and commenting on their features the author introduces some critical reflections both lexical and philosophical on the nature of Beauty. Terms for Beauty can emphasize a descriptive approach, or stress the appreciative attitudes of those who come in touch with beautiful things, while some terms do both. So Beauty is seen through them either in relation to metaphysical truth or to Goodness. Or also in relation to both. The terms thus also refer to the intuitive nature of our understanding of Beauty and its transforming and creative function. In his philosophical observations he delves in the concepts of Being, Reality, and Order in medieval and modern moods, and evokes the medieval doctrine of the transcendentalia which will give the cue for his definitions of Beauty. He dwells briefly on Saint Bonaventure‘s and Alexander Baumgartner‘s outstanding contributions to our culture‘s understanding of Beauty.