R.G. Loc: Scotland

On further reflection I now think that since beauty has probably been defined in depth elsewhere (not an easy task since beauty is an abstract concept with both a subjective and an objective aspect to it), I would say it's not necessary for "aesthetics" to have such an all-embracing definition, despite the fact that most definitions of aesthetics have beauty at their core.

The philosophisers and theorists can try to define aesthetics in a way that adequately describes its abstract side, but for those of us whose primary point of reference is the real world of experience, I think a definition with a largely subjective slant is just fine. Our very existence is experience-centric and our lives are an ongoing series of personal experiences, whereas most of us only occasionally find ourselves contemplating abstract concepts (for some of us that would be very occasionally ). So a definition based on subjective experience (perception) rather than objective, abstract concepts seems like a good idea to me.....

....which is exactly what my original definition was - aesthetics are those qualities that we subjectively perceive as imparting beauty.

Contemplation of abstract concepts is no doubt a noble pursuit, but I suspect that most of us identify more readily with those things that relate to personal experience. And in terms of giving us a common vocabulary to work with, the world of personal experience seems a much more appropriate reference than the world of abstract concepts.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Beauty and Aesthetics in general is a subject that can be seriously discussed as is being done here, but also one than can easily descend into phony-baloney bs. I think that education plays a role. The more one knows about such matters as proportionality, balance, and all the other components of composition and so much more then it becomes much easier to have an appreciation for art and image beyond "that sure is 'purty'" There is also an emotional component that is involved in the appreciation of many images. Think of all the grandchildren images that are posted on this site. Granddad does not want to hear, "You made a wonderful image, but the kid is a homily little bugger" No, he wants affirmation of his child and could care less what people think of his photographic abilities. I think I basically agree with your point of view that the world of personal experience is a more useful reference for a discussion of aesthetic concepts rather than becoming entangled in a morass of the minuiate of complicated and abstract concepts. But as I stated above, having an awareness of these concepts can increase our enjoyment of the aesthetic gifts of our world.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Maybe that is why they fetch such a premium price.

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

"It seems to me that since beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

While standing at the bar one evening, watching all the pretty, (and not so much), young ladies walk by, my buddy quietly said to me, "you know, beauty is in the eye of the beer holder"!
It's a true story, and it happened around 40 years ago. To this day, every time I read or hear the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", I fondly remember that night and smile.

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

I absolutely love your last paragraph UserId. What a wonderful thing to profess!
I often wish more people would embrace that position and, leave it there.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Science does have something to say about this (or so scientists say), which is that perceptions of beauty are oft based on what is seen as safe and healthy. We see bountiful nature, and find it beautiful. Combinations of colors that are seen in food that is fresh or ripe are seen as attractive, while colors that signify spoilage is more problematical to our aesthetics. A person's face is seen as beautiful if it is highly symmetrical. Asymmetries in faces are suspected as signs of ill health and disease.
This cannot be all there is on the matter, but it seems at least part of the basis for our aesthetic sense.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Indeed, perceptions of beauty are susceptible to all of the usual stuff that anything subjective is susceptible to (personal preferences, aversions etc). We can have preferences and aversions for all sots of reasons.