bb Flashcards
(15 cards)
How did Thomas Aquinas define beauty?
Thomas Aquinas defined beauty as “that which, upon being seen, pleases.”
What does neuroscience reveal about how the brain processes beauty?
Neuroscience shows that the brain processes beauty in the same region that processes both pleasure and disgust, linking it to emotional experiences.
What are the three transcendentals identified by Plato and Aristotle?
Plato and Aristotle identified truth, goodness, and beauty as transcendentals that connect human experience to the eternal.
Why is beauty considered a holistic experience according to Plato?
Plato believed beauty bypasses intellectual analysis and directly evokes wonder, awe, and humility.
What physiological effects does beauty have on the human body?
Exposure to beauty releases oxytocin and endorphins, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, and calms the nervous system.
How do mathematical patterns contribute to architectural beauty?
Mathematical patterns like geometry and fractals create visual harmony, which calms the nervous system and evokes spiritual peace.
What is the significance of fractals in the design of the Virupaksha Temple?
The fractals in the Virupaksha Temple symbolize eternally-rising spiritual consciousness.
How does beauty function as a cultural bridge?
Beauty connects culture to spirituality, lifting people’s focus beyond immediate concerns and uniting them in collective identity.
What role does beauty play in preserving culture?
Beauty enshrines sacred truths in rituals, stories, and art, ensuring cultural values are passed to future generations.
What happens to culture when it loses touch with beauty?
When culture loses beauty, it unravels, as seen in modern production prioritizing efficiency over illumination.
Why is beauty considered both subjective and objective?
Beauty resonates personally (subjective) but is rooted in universal ideals (objective), bridging individual experience with eternal truths.
How can individuals contribute to making the world more beautiful?
Individuals can add beauty by harmonizing their surroundings, such as through decor, music, and spending time in nature.
What is the relationship between beauty and spiritual existence?
Beauty offers a path to a deeper spiritual existence, restoring harmony and meaning to life and culture.
What is a ‘tronie,’ and how does it relate to Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’?
A ‘tronie’ is a study of facial expression and aura rather than a portrait, as seen in Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring.’
What is the significance of the pearl in Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’?
The pearl’s curve mirrors the girl’s face, symbolizing her beauty and mystery, and showcasing Vermeer’s artistic genius.
