Cameron Pangilinan

Art 448

25 March 2024

Different Views Of Taste

Throughout history, philosophers have contemplated the concept of taste. Gottfried

Wilhelm Leibniz and David Hume have interesting perspectives on the idea of taste. Although

they both engaged with the concepts of taste, their takes on it are different. The views of Leibniz

and Hume on taste can also reflect on today's world.

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's perspective on taste, according to his writings, in "On Art

and Beauty," offers a view that integrates his philosophical ideas. Leibniz starts off by what

makes things beautiful. Music is something Leibniz mentions that naturally appeals to us

humans. Music creates a sound that Leibniz describes as, “a vibration or a transverse motion

such as we see in strings, thus everything that emits sounds give off invisible impulses.” Along

with music, poetry creates the same pleasure. Poetry consists of, “long to short syllables and

rhymes that are constructed precisely to be pleasant without being sung.” I think what Leibnz is

saying is that music is naturally put in our universe which flows harmoniously into beauty. He

connects our feelings about beauty to the idea that everything follows a certain path naturally.

Leibniz explains tastes as, “It is something like an instinct. Tastes are formed by nature

and by habits.” He suggests that when we find something beautiful in art or nature, it is more

than just a feeling. From his quote I think he is saying, beauty is based on the natural nature and

habits found throughout the universe. Leibniz's concept of beauty comes hand and hand to

understanding his perspective on taste. He doesn't see taste as just personal preference. His

perception of taste is to be aware of the harmony in art and beauty.

 Additionally, Leibniz talks about a strange quality in art, that he called the "something I

know not what." His idea highlights the confused aspects of our emotions towards beauty that

aren't easily explained by logical thinking. He writes, “Likewise we sometimes see painters and

other artists correctly judge what has been done well or badly; yet they are often unable to give a

reason for their judgment but tell the inquirer that the work which displeases them lacks

‘something, I know not what.” People are not able to easily define it but it is still something that

strongly resonates with us.

David Hume took a different approach to the concept of taste in his essay "Of the

Standard of Taste." Hume explains what makes someone a good judge of taste. Hume begins by

acknowledging that taste varies among individuals. However, he argues that certain individuals

have a "standard of taste" that allows them to make more better judgments about beauty and art.

Hume explains that, “Though there be naturally a wide difference in point of delicacy between

one person and another, nothing tends further to increase and improve this talent than practice in

a particular art, and the frequent survey or contemplation of a particular species of beauty.” I

think he is saying that some people may naturally have a more refined or sensitive taste, while

others may not. By diving deeper in the study of artworks individuals can further expand their

understanding and appreciation of art. Hume idea is that beauty depends on the person viewing

it, not on the thing itself. It's about how someone feels and thinks about it, not quality of the

object. In the passage, ‘Of Standard Of Taste,’ Hume writes, “Beauty is no quality in things

themselves: It merely exists in the mind which contemplates them; and each mind perceives a

different beauty.” Beauty is a subjective experience that is specific in an individual.

Additionally, Hume highlights the importance of "comparison”, suggesting that

comparing different artworks can help us appreciate their unique qualities. Hume uses the
comparison of two paintings to illustrate the importance of comparative judgment. He argues that

by comparing these artworks, you can pick apart the unique qualities to understand and

appreciate it better. Hume quotes, "Though the principles of taste are universal, and nearly, if not

entirely the same in all men; yet few are qualified to give judgment on any work of art, or

establish their own sentiment as the standard of beauty. The organs of internal sensation are

seldom so perfect as to allow the general principles their full play, and produce a feeling

correspondent to those principles." I think what he means by this is that Hume is aware of the

universal principles of taste but also recognizes that individuals may not always have the perfect

"organs of internal sensation" to fully appreciate or understand taste. He suggests that comparing

different artworks can help individuals refine their judgments.

David Hume and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz had different ideas about taste and beauty.

Hume thought beauty is based on personal feelings and can vary from person to person. He

believed there are some shared rules for judging beauty, as he explained in his essay "Of the

Standard of Taste” but within those shared rules, there are people who have yet to define their

taste. On the other hand, Leibniz believed there's a deeper meaning in the universe that

influences our sense of beauty. He thought that naturally our tastes are an instinct that comes

with the universe. What is similar between the two is that Hume and Leibniz agreed that taste is

personal and can vary from person to person. They understood that everyone has their own

feelings and preferences when it comes to art and beauty. Both philosophers believed that art and

beauty are important in our lives. They thought that experiencing art can make expand

knowledge on taste and make life more meaningful.

These ideas of taste can be seen relevant in today. Hume talked about specific ways to

judge art, like paying attention to details, practicing looking at art, comparing different artworks,
and being open-minded. This is still important today in art reviews, teachings, and discussions

about art in museums and cultural places. It helps people understand art from various styles and

types. Leibniz thought there are clear and universal rules that help us understand and enjoy art. It

pushes us to think deeply, see patterns in art, and connect with artworks that speak to big ideas.

Both Leibniz's and Hume's perspectives on taste continue to offer valuable insights about

aesthetics, art, and culture. The perspectives of Leibniz and Hume, supported by examples from

their writings, inspire and provoke thought. They personall made me think about what makes

something beautiful and if I have good judgment myself on what is tasteful or not. Whether

Leibniz's idea of taste or Hume's idea of taste is more relevant to someone, the concept of taste

remains important throughout the world today.