On Beauty and Morality

Abstract

In this paper, On Beauty and Morality, I write on the relationship of beauty and morality, as well as the causal effects between the two on the human person. To explore the concept of beauty and morality, I first explore what specifically beauty and morality is, as well as how each affects the human person. After exploring both the rational and sentimental side of beauty and morality, there is a connection made between the two as it relates to Iris Murdoch’s idea of selflessness and Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative. In addition, The Earl of Shaftesbury's principle of moral approval explains how an appreciation of beauty could actually cause a change in moral distinction. On a more objective level, Platonic philosophy explains another relation between beauty and morality. As Beauty and Goodness are transcendentals, they relate and can affect the human person, especially as it relates to morality. Thus, in both a subjective and objective sense, I show the intrinsic relationship between beauty and morality.