Aquinas on Beauty

Exploring the Philosopher's Enduring Aesthetic Framework

Key Takeaways

Beauty as a Transcendental: Aquinas defines beauty as one of the three transcendental properties, alongside truth and goodness, reflecting the divine order.
Three Essential Qualities: Integrity, proportion, and clarity are the fundamental criteria that determine the beauty of an object.
Integration of Objective and Subjective: Aquinas harmonizes objective attributes of beauty with the subjective experience of aesthetic pleasure.

Introduction to Aquinas's Philosophy of Beauty

Thomas Aquinas, a seminal figure in medieval philosophy and theology, developed a profound and enduring understanding of beauty that continues to influence contemporary aesthetic discourse. His exploration of beauty integrates both objective and subjective dimensions, positioning beauty not merely as an aesthetic appreciation but as a reflection of deeper metaphysical and theological truths. Aquinas's conception of beauty is intricately connected to his broader philosophical framework, which emphasizes the harmony between faith and reason.

Defining Beauty: The Transcendental Property

Beauty as a Transcendental

In Aquinas's philosophy, beauty is classified as a transcendental property, meaning it is a universal quality inherent in all beings by virtue of their existence. This categorization places beauty alongside truth and goodness, establishing it as a fundamental aspect of reality that transcends individual objects and experiences. As a transcendental, beauty is not confined to sensory perception but is a universal principle that can be recognized and appreciated universally.

Beauty as "That Which Pleases When Seen"

Aquinas succinctly defines beauty as "that which pleases when seen" (id quod visum placet). This definition captures the dual nature of beauty, encompassing both sensory perception and intellectual appreciation. The act of seeing extends beyond mere visual sensation to include cognitive and emotional responses, suggesting that beauty engages the whole person—sensory organs, intellect, and emotions.

Objective and Universal Qualities

While beauty involves the subjective experience of pleasure, Aquinas asserts that it possesses objective qualities that make it recognizable irrespective of individual preferences. This objectivity ensures that beauty maintains its integrity as a universal standard, enabling consistent recognition and appreciation across different cultures and contexts. Aquinas's integration of objective standards with subjective experience provides a balanced approach to understanding beauty.

Three Essential Qualities of Beauty

1. Integrity (Wholeness)

Integrity, or wholeness, is the first essential quality of beauty in Aquinas's framework. It refers to the completeness and unity of an object, ensuring that all its parts are harmoniously integrated without any deficiencies or imperfections. An object that lacks integrity may appear fragmented or incomplete, detracting from its overall beauty. For Aquinas, integrity ensures that the object fulfills its potential and purpose, presenting a unified and cohesive whole.

2. Proportion (Harmony)

Proportion, also described as harmony, constitutes the second essential quality of beauty. This quality emphasizes the proper arrangement and relationship between an object's parts, ensuring that each component complements the others in a balanced and orderly manner. Proportion involves symmetry, balance, and the strategic organization of elements to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing form. In Aquinas's view, proportionality reflects the underlying order and rationality of creation, resonating with the divine harmony instituted by God.

3. Clarity (Brightness)

The third essential quality, clarity, pertains to the brightness or radiance of an object. Clarity involves the object's ability to be fully perceived and understood, illuminating its essence and facilitating intellectual comprehension. In this context, clarity is not limited to literal brightness but extends to the intelligibility and perceptibility of the object's qualities. A clear object communicates its nature effectively, allowing the observer to comprehend its beauty intellectually and spiritually.

Integration of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth

Interconnected Transcendentals

Aquinas's conception of beauty is inherently linked to the other two transcendental properties: goodness and truth. He posits that these properties are interconnected, forming a triadic relationship that elevates human experience toward higher understanding and divine contemplation. Beauty, by virtue of its connection to goodness and truth, serves as a pathway to comprehending deeper metaphysical and theological truths.

Beauty and Goodness

Aquinas asserts that beauty naturally inclines individuals toward the good. When something is perceived as beautiful, it suggests moral goodness and virtue, reflecting the belief that God, as the ultimate good, is the source of all beauty. This connection implies that aesthetic appreciation is not detached from moral and ethical considerations but is intertwined with the pursuit of virtue and the alignment of the soul with divine goodness.

Beauty and Truth

Similarly, beauty correlates with truth in Aquinas's philosophy. True beauty is an expression of the truth of the object's essence, meaning that appreciating beauty involves discerning the true nature of what is perceived. This alignment ensures that beauty cannot be divorced from truth; counterfeit or superficial beauty that lacks truth is deemed illegitimate. Thus, beauty serves as a vehicle for understanding and internalizing truth, reinforcing the integrity and authenticity of aesthetic experiences.

Objective and Subjective Dimensions of Beauty

Objective Qualities

Aquinas maintains that beauty possesses objective qualities inherent in the object itself—integrity, proportion, and clarity. These attributes exist independently of human perception, providing a universal standard for recognizing beauty. The objective dimension ensures that beauty maintains consistency and coherence across different contexts and observers, grounding it in the nature of the object rather than in individual subjective tastes.

Subjective Experience

While beauty has objective qualities, Aquinas acknowledges the role of human perception in experiencing beauty. The subjective dimension involves the individual's cognitive and emotional response to the object's beauty, encompassing sensory pleasure and intellectual delight. This experiential aspect ensures that beauty resonates personally with the observer, allowing for a meaningful and fulfilling aesthetic encounter. Aquinas's synthesis of objective and subjective elements highlights the multifaceted nature of beauty, bridging universal standards with personal experience.

Beauty in Natural and Artificial Objects

Natural Beauty

Aquinas distinguishes between natural beauty and the beauty found in human-created objects, such as art. Natural beauty arises from the inherent order, symmetry, and purpose within creation. The harmony and balance observed in natural objects reflect the divine wisdom and design, serving as expressions of God's perfection. Natural beauty invites humans to contemplate and appreciate the divine order, fostering a sense of awe and reverence for creation.

Artistic Beauty

Artistic beauty, on the other hand, involves the skillful arrangement and proportioning of materials by human hands to evoke the same transcendental qualities as natural beauty. Aquinas emphasizes that true artistic beauty must align with the principles of integrity, proportion, and clarity to mirror natural and divine standards. Through art, humans participate in the creative order established by God, using their rational and creative capacities to produce works that honor the divine and inspire aesthetic and spiritual contemplation.

Theological Implications of Beauty

Beauty as a Path to Divine Contemplation

Aquinas integrates the concept of beauty into his theological discourse, viewing beauty as a means to contemplate and understand the divine. Engaging with beauty elevates the soul, leading individuals to recognize and seek the ultimate source of all beauty—God Himself. This theological dimension underscores beauty's role in guiding humans toward spiritual enlightenment and deeper connection with the divine.

Liturgical and Sacred Art

Aquinas advocates for the use of beauty in worship and sacred spaces, asserting that liturgical art and architectural design should embody beauty to inspire reverence and devotion. The aesthetic environment in religious settings serves as a tangible expression of divine glory, facilitating spiritual experiences and fostering a deeper sense of connection with the sacred. Sacred art thus becomes a medium through which believers can engage with and reflect on the divine mysteries.

Moral and Spiritual Development

Encountering beauty, according to Aquinas, encourages moral and spiritual growth by aligning an individual's desires and appreciations with higher, virtuous ideals. The experience of beauty cultivates virtues such as discernment, appreciation, and aspiration toward the good, fostering an ethical and spiritual orientation that seeks harmony and integrity in both personal conduct and aesthetic pursuits.

Philosophical Psychology and Aesthetic Pleasure

Role of Sensory Perception and Intellect

Aquinas's understanding of beauty is deeply rooted in his philosophical psychology, which emphasizes the interplay between sensory perception and intellectual cognition. Sensory perception plays a crucial role in initially grasping the beauty of an object, while the intellect fully appreciates and comprehends its beauty. This dual process distinguishes the human contemplation of beauty from mere sensory enjoyment, elevating it to a spiritual and intellectual experience that engages the whole person.

Aesthetic Pleasure as Intellectual Engagement

The aesthetic pleasure derived from beauty, in Aquinas's view, is not solely based on sensory gratification but involves an intellectual engagement that recognizes and appreciates the underlying order and purpose of the beautiful object. This intellectual dimension enriches the aesthetic experience, allowing individuals to derive deeper meaning and spiritual fulfillment from their encounters with beauty.

Critiques and Influence

Enduring Impact on Western Aesthetics

Aquinas's approach to beauty has had a lasting impact on Western aesthetics, particularly within Christian theology and philosophy. His integration of the transcendental properties—beauty, truth, and goodness—has been foundational in understanding the moral and metaphysical dimensions of beauty. This comprehensive framework has influenced a wide range of thinkers, from Scholastic philosophers to Renaissance humanists and modern theologians.

Modern Interpretations and Critiques

While Aquinas's emphasis on objective standards of beauty has been celebrated for its philosophical rigor, some modern thinkers critique this approach for potentially limiting the diversity of aesthetic judgment in contemporary contexts. Critics argue that Aquinas's focus on universal qualities may overlook the subjective and culturally specific aspects of beauty that characterize modern aesthetic appreciation. Despite these critiques, Aquinas's synthesis of objective and subjective elements continues to inform and enrich contemporary discussions on the nature of beauty.

Conclusion

Thomas Aquinas's exploration of beauty transcends mere aesthetic appreciation, embedding it within a broader metaphysical and theological context. By defining beauty in terms of integrity, proportion, and clarity, and by intertwining it with truth and goodness, Aquinas presents beauty as a fundamental aspect of reality that bridges the natural and the divine. His philosophy harmonizes objective qualities with subjective experiences, offering a comprehensive framework that highlights beauty's role in reflecting divine order, guiding moral and spiritual development, and facilitating a deeper understanding of truth and goodness.