Throughout time we’ve been incorporating in our genetic stock a series of adaptive behavioral patterns that have improved our chances of survival, many of which we share in some shape or form with other animals. One of the these attributes is the experience of Beauty which, with its emotional intensity and pleasure, belongs to our ever evolving psyches. It’s an adaptive effect, which we extend and intensify in the creation and enjoyment of works of art and entertainment.
For Dr. Dutton, the appreciation of beauty, in the case of humans, lies in finding that beauty rests on actions or objects “done well”, so that Natural selection would have shaped the taste of the contemplator over time which would then continue to be one of many contributing factors that are beneficial for survival. This “virtuosity” would be seen as beautiful, exerting attraction and providing pleasure to the individuals who contemplate it. Beauty, albeit a subjective experience, is thus determined by what is "well done", and it exerts attraction as it manifests the abilities and skills of the person.
Dr. Dutton establishes, like most evolutionists, a direct relationship between sexual selection and natural selection. The importance of natural selection on mate choice at the time of reproduction is taken for granted. This implies that secondary sexual characteristics, which individuals of one sex develop to attract those of the other sex, are "honest" signals linked to the survival capacity of the individual. This is the most widespread idea among biologists: the existence of a direct relationship between sexual selection and natural selection.
From the beginning Darwin stressed the importance of sexual selection as something separate from natural selection, where aesthetics and subjective desire played an important role. The experience of beauty is an evolutionary characteristic modeled by natural selection. Contrary to what has been proclaimed, it’s not a 'social construction' determined by the cultural context, but rather influenced and further enhanced by it. Our love for beauty, defined as a powerful perceptual and cognitive experience, is innate. With all this in mind, Dr. Dutton’s well-sustained approach to the experience of beauty - his observations and explanations - can be considered a scientific theory.
Scientists try to find out what makes things and people beautiful, but in a way it's like asking if your vision of the color red is the same as that of another person; there's simply no way of knowing. Still, there is a lot to explore.
Although we see our own imperfections, we may consider many people, who we don’t get close enough to examine their little "flaws", as beautiful. The perception of beauty, however, can be weakened when we begin to notice those "flaws" (whether in a physical or emotional sense). Additionally, aspects of beauty such as skin and hair and even body type can be used as indicators of health status, since these are sensitive to nutritional deficits and some diseases. This adds to the fact that the our perception of is particularly sensitive to “defects” as well. Since beauty can be used as a marker of certain underlying characteristics such as health, good genes and intelligence, it explains why we choose friends and partners with physical and intellectual characteristics we find beautiful.
Another example based on Dr. Dutton’s theory that we can use to help predict behaviors or outcomes, and to which many of us pay meticulous attention, is home decor. In general, we feel the need for open spaces that are organized and cleared for us to move freely. We put special attention to details - such as colors, distribution of furniture, organization, lighting, ventilation, textures, flowers, plants and other natural elements, etc. - to show an aesthetic and cozy framework that captivates our guests as well. To achieve this purpose, we take advantage of our spaces and combine all these elements to give life to our own idea of beauty. Our home becomes a pleasant stay; we offer comfort and nice things for our guests’ perceptual experience (or at least we think so!). To a certain extent, our perception of someone’s home provides a reflection of their persona. Home decor can greatly affect our level our comfort, and can even go as far as to harm or improve our mental health. The experience of beauty in this context is as important as the personal care of those who inhabit them.
Finally, in modern society, our physical aspects have become crucial since it allows for important interpersonal relationships. All human beings project an image that others perceive and interpret. This perception is not limited to looks and style, but also behavior, speech and communication style; the way we communicate also determines the way others see us because they reveal our knowledge, degree of education, etc. We tend to esteem or give higher regards to those who better conform to our idea of beauty, albeit in its own way. Of course, sociocultural standards can greatly influence our perception of our beauty which, to me, is a complex subjective concept that stimulates an objective cognitive experience.
All this made me think of the following video, and how the experience of beauty (or “lack” thereof) can influence and, at times, help us predict behavior.
Is Dr. Dutton's approach to beauty a theory? Could it be used to help predict any kind of outcome? Comment below. Thanks for reading.
![[Coursework] A Brief Analysis On Denis Dutton's](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/12929/1292927-3200208494.jpg "[Coursework] A Brief Analysis On Denis Dutton's")
