Beauty, long pondered by philosophers and recently dissected by scientists, is simpler than commonly believed, according to a comprehensive analysis by New York University psychology researchers. Far from a unique sensation, the feeling of beauty is essentially a heightened form of pleasure—nothing inherently special.
This rigorous review draws on insights spanning Plato and 18th-century philosopher Alexander Baumgarten, through 19th-century figures like playwright Oscar Wilde and early psychologist Gustav Fechner, to cutting-edge neuroscience findings.
Beauty influences our everyday decisions profoundly. The researchers note that features like symmetry and roundness often enhance appeal—particularly for average forms.
"One must be cautious not to overgeneralize these traits' allure," cautions a lead researcher. "Averages overlook vast individual taste variations." Consider Marilyn Monroe's iconic asymmetrical features, a celebrated exception to symmetry's typical boost.
Empirical evidence bolsters philosophers' ancient view: beauty equates to pleasure, with one intensifying the other. Neuroscience confirms this, showing heightened activity in the orbitofrontal cortex's pleasure centers during such experiences.
