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Question 1

What are the four primary standards of beauty according to Thomas Aquinas?

Answer 1

Actuality
Proportion
Radiance
Integrity

Question 2

What does proportion (consonantia) mean in Aquinas’ aesthetics?

Answer 2

Proportion (or harmony) refers to the balanced and harmonious relationship between the parts of a whole, contributing to its aesthetic appeal.

Question 3

What does radiance (claritas) mean in Aquinas’ aesthetics?

Answer 3

Radiance (claritas) is the quality that makes beauty evident, allowing an object to shine forth in its intelligibility and form

Question 4

What does integrity (integritas) mean in Aquinas’ aesthetics?

Answer 4

Integrity (wholeness) refers to the completeness of an object—when nothing essential is missing, and it fully realizes its nature.

Question 5

Do all four criteria need to be present for something to be beautiful, according to Aquinas?

Answer 5

No. These criteria serve as guideposts rather than strict formulas. Not all must be present, and the presence of one does not guarantee beauty.