David Hume

Definition

David Hume was an influential Scottish philosopher known for his empirical approach to philosophy and skepticism regarding human understanding. His ideas about beauty and aesthetic experience suggest that these are not objective qualities but rather subjective feelings, emphasizing the role of sentiment in our appreciation of art and nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hume proposed that beauty is not an inherent quality of objects but exists in the mind of the observer, highlighting the subjective nature of aesthetic experiences.
2. He argued that our feelings toward beauty are shaped by cultural and social factors, suggesting that taste can vary greatly between individuals and societies.
3. Hume's essay 'Of the Standard of Taste' explores how critics can help refine our appreciation of art by providing insights into shared sentiments.
4. He believed that while there may be common principles underlying aesthetic experience, individual emotions ultimately dictate our personal responses to beauty.
5. Hume's skepticism about absolute truths in aesthetics encourages a more fluid understanding of beauty, allowing for diverse interpretations and appreciation of art.

Review Questions

• How does Hume's definition of beauty challenge the notion of objective standards in art?
  • Hume argues that beauty is not an inherent quality found in objects but rather a product of individual perception and sentiment. This view challenges the idea that there are universal standards for art and aesthetics, emphasizing that each person's emotional response shapes their understanding of beauty. By proposing that our appreciation varies based on personal experiences and cultural contexts, Hume invites a more inclusive approach to evaluating art.
• Discuss how Hume's ideas on sentiment contribute to our understanding of aesthetic judgment.
  • Hume’s emphasis on sentiment highlights the emotional component of aesthetic judgment, suggesting that personal feelings play a critical role in how we evaluate art. He posits that our emotional responses are influenced by societal norms and shared experiences, indicating that taste can evolve over time. This perspective encourages a recognition of diversity in aesthetic preferences, as individuals draw from their unique emotional landscapes when interacting with art.
• Evaluate the implications of Hume's skepticism on beauty for contemporary debates about artistic value.
  • Hume's skepticism regarding absolute truths in aesthetics has significant implications for current discussions about artistic value. By asserting that beauty is subjective, Hume encourages ongoing dialogue about what constitutes valuable art, allowing for various interpretations and expressions. This view fosters an environment where contemporary artists can challenge traditional notions of beauty and push boundaries, thereby enriching the discourse around art's purpose and impact in society.

Related terms

Empiricism:

A philosophical stance asserting that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience, which Hume advocated as essential to understanding the nature of beauty and aesthetic judgment.

Sentiment: The emotional response or feeling associated with an experience, which Hume believed plays a crucial role in determining what we find beautiful or aesthetically pleasing.

Aesthetic Judgment: The process of evaluating art or beauty, where Hume argued that personal feelings and societal influences significantly shape these judgments rather than objective standards.