Aesthetic Realism and Anti-Realism

Aesthetic Realism suggests that beauty is an objective quality - that art has universal standards of value independent of individual reception. A beautiful painting, for example, is universally beautiful, regardless of the viewer's opinion. However, Aesthetic Anti-Realism counters this, arguing aesthetics are subjective - grounded in personal responses. It suggests that what is beautiful is determined by individual interpretation and cultural context. So, that painting's beauty lies solely in the eye of the beholder. Each theory explores different perspectives on the nature and appreciation of art.