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OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Beauty: A Very Short Introduction

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Beauty can be consoling, disturbing, sacred, profane; it can be exhilarating, appealing, inspiring, chilling. It can affect us in an unlimited variety of ways. Yet it is never viewed with indifference. In this Very Short Introduction, the renowned philosopher Roger Scruton explores the concept of beauty, asking what makes an object--either in art, in nature, or the human form--beautiful, and examining how we can compare differing judgments of beauty when it is evident all around us that our tastes vary so widely. Is there a right judgment to be made about beauty? Is it right to say there is more beauty in a classical temple than a concrete office block, more in a Rembrandt than in an Andy Warhol Campbell Soup Can? Forthright and thought- provoking, and as accessible as it is intellectually rigorous, this introduction to the philosophy of beauty draws conclusions that some may find controversial, but, as Scruton shows, help us to find greater sense of meaning in the beautiful objects that fill our lives. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press; 1st edition (April 8, 2011)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0199229759


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 58


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.6 x 4.4 x 6.8 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #85,636 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #20 in Conceptual Arts (Books) #22 in Philosophy Aesthetics #137 in Arts & Photography Criticism


#20 in Conceptual Arts (Books):


#22 in Philosophy Aesthetics:


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Excellent introduction to thinking philosophically about beauty
Roger Scruton has written a fascinating and thought-provoking introduction to the philosophical musings surrounding beauty in this book. Rather than attempting to to exactly define what beauty is he takes a different route, striving to help the reader work through how beauty relates to man and what the significance of that relationship is. Scruton leans heavily on Kant, never quite affirming or denying Kant's ideas, but rather playing off of them, pointing out where they are helpful but also exposing their shortsightedness and/or misconceptions. In that regard, Scruton felt very balanced and mature in his approach. 

As a writer, I greatly appreciated Scruton's tactic of introducing ideas and concepts early in the book which he utilized later, early ideas and concepts being built upon and "paying off" later on in the book. The connection of desire and the exploration of sexual desire and attraction between people which he works through in the second chapter is essential to the line between erotic art and pornography he divines later on. Additionally, he introduces the idea of the sacred as early as the first chapter, though it is much more extensively explored in the second chapter and onward, which he then draws on for his climactic eighth chapter, art is contrasted with kitsch and the treasuring of the sacred with its desecration in postmodernity.

 Additionally, though it was only explored briefly, the parallel between the appreciation of jokes (and the difference between good ones and bad ones) and the beauty of art (which is judged as good and bad as well) I found quite insightful. I think a better argument might have been made for some equivalence between humor and beauty, but there are also dark corners to the reality of humor which do not fit Scruton's ultimate orientation for beauty, so that equivalence would not have lasted long at all.

 Though he never comes forward as a Christian, Scruton's religious worldview is evident in the eighth chapter, specifically with his elevation of sacrifice as that path which beauty offers to man as salvation from the mindless addiction of kitsch and desecration. To explore the ramifications of such a connection would, in my opinion, require an entirely different volume (or more) to tease out. Here, Scruton seems satisfied to point and highlight.

 Overall I found the book a quite enjoyable read, and much more accessible than I first feared. Though some of the philosophical waters he treads in are deep, he does so with ease and an nonchalant proficiency of which I am slightly envious. I would highly recommend this book to pastors and especially worship leaders or worship arts pastors who are trying to work through how the arts can fit into their church. While not proposing a theology of the arts, Scruton has laid a philosophical (and almost theological) foundation which could greatly contribute to anyone working through such things. I also think this book would be accessible to anyone interested in delving a little deeper into the philosophical waters surrounding beauty, and it would be a great starting point before diving into some much deeper waters with other philosophical writers. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2017 by Zach
    • Intellectual equipment to determine what is beauty and why it matters
This scholarly approach to defining beauty and defending its importance has been extremely helpful to me as an artist and art teacher. I plan to use this book to launch substantive discussions regarding beauty with my art history students (11th, 12th graders). The second half of the book was more accessible to me, but I plan to reread the first half of the book as I sense that Scruton's ideas will move me closer to the truth as I pursue beauty personally in art and try to pass it on to my students. This book is worth the work to understand its content and is not without humor. I heartily recommend this book to anyone. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2024 by Claire Kinyon
    • Good primer for beginning contemplation
Exposes and explores many of the issues around the concept of beauty in art, and the author does a very good job of providing examples to understand the issues as well as specific instantiations that many readers might know in their artistic fields of practice (music, sculpture, painting, writing, theatre, etc.). If you're looking for a clear and stable definition of beauty or art, good luck. At best, there are simply conversations--some of which are considered passe', politically incorrect, or irrelevant these days. (We're kind of in a strange time in art.) ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023 by Michael John Levenhagen
    • Beautifully done!
A masterful work that employs and displays the humility of words to express a response to a transcendent reality. Bravo
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024 by Kindle Customer
    • Great book
I have to get this book for Philosophy of Ethics class. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Roger Scruton's "Beauty: A Very Short Introduction" is a succinct yet insightful look into the concept of beauty. The book covers its philosophical, cultural, and historical aspects, making it accessible and engaging. Scruton explores how beauty has been understood from Plato to modern times, using examples from art and nature to illustrate his points. He also examines the link between beauty and morality, suggesting that our perception of beauty is intertwined with our ethical views. This book is a valuable, thought-provoking read, perfect for anyone interested in the complexities of beauty. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2022 by Madz
    • Manages to successfully give a brief, yet in-depth reflection on aesthetics and philosophy.
My encounter with this book came to me by happenstance when I was trying to find an answer about myself. I had a personal experience of questioning my inclination towards certain things and why they seem pleasing. What I thought to be a light read turned out to be that of philosophy which not only answered my question but also gave me an opportunity to reflect on how I view the world. It's very informative and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about aesthetics and philosophy. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2023 by nyni1004
    • A full treatment of the topic in a readable format. Highly Recommended.
Roger Scruton does an amazing job of packing an amazing amount of information into this little book. His writing style is fluid and easy to read. He makes topics that have the potential to be quite complex, easy to understand. The book is divided into 9 chapters: 1. Judging beauty 2. Human beauty 3. Natural beauty 4. Everyday beauty 5. Artistic beauty 6. Taste and order 7. Art and eros 8. The flight from beauty 9. Concluding thoughts As you can see, Scruton covers the topic from all sides. In addition, there are a number of pictures of art works and architectural works to illustrate his points. The only thing different I would have liked to seen is color pictures, but I understand that Oxford University Press is trying to keep these little "A Very Short Introduction" books inexpensive, and for that I am glad. I have a large number of them and I will continue to purchase them as I can. Highly recommended. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2017 by Where's Godot?

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