George Santayana

George Santayana was a philosopher who explored the nature of beauty and aesthetic experience, emphasizing that beauty arises from our emotional responses to objects and events rather than from intrinsic qualities. He believed in aesthetic subjectivism, suggesting that beauty is subjective and linked to individual experiences. Santayana also viewed aesthetic value as significant in human life, proposing that while beauty might be rooted in biology (epiphenomenalism), it profoundly influences our thoughts and actions. His work highlights the interplay between our feelings and perceptions in appreciating art and nature, advocating for a deeper understanding of the aesthetic dimension of existence.