Beauty

A Very Short Introduction

By: Roger Scruton

Narrated by: Chris MacDonnell

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 audiobook, 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's Soup Cans?

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.

©2011 Horsell's Farm Enterprises Limited (P)2019 Tantor

Edifying and thoughtfull

Scruton is many respects a Kantian. His meditation on beauty is a call to rational humanity and our shared universal experience of good and evil.

Solid Intro, Take Or Leave Opinions

This was a solid introduction to the history of philosophy dealing with beauty and aesthetics. I personally did not agree with many of the authors conclusions and personal opinions, but I did enjoy the brief overview on Aristotle, Kant, etc.

Brilliant

Roger Scruton outlines the desecration of our most important societal constructions. It awoke an anger in me for the disgusting moronics of “modernism”. I think it would be better termed “anti reality soft feelyism”. Freaking morons!

A Must-Read

For the artist concerned with the observation of the beautiful, and creation in its service; or for the considered and thoughtful citizen of the world, Scruton’s work on beauty is required reading. This is no trite pop-culture puff piece, however. This is a deep dive into the underpinnings of thought and behavior, sacredness, and perception. This work will require reflection, and maybe multiple reads. In the end, however, if beauty is of concern to the reader, this work will serve as a guidebook to deeper understanding.

Chris MacDonnell’s narration is spot-on and perfect for this work.

Contemplation of Beauty

This took me on a journey, an art gallery of the mind to consider the meaning and the priceless value of beauty in the world. May my eye be sharper to behold it and my feet swifter to find it.