Beauty and Morality
Abstract
Abstract This chapter explores the relationship between beauty and morality. It makes a philosophical argument that beauty, understood as the physical appearance of the body and the face, is more valued than ever before. As a result, attaining the beauty ideal, being thin, firm, smooth and young enough, has become a moral imperative. The chapter introduces empirical evidence to show that beauty is both valued and valuable, such that, for many, engaging in beauty is a moral duty. In addition, the chapter explores the moral shame of beauty failure, further illustrating the fundamentally moral nature of beauty engagement and aspiration. The chapter finishes by considering the implications for research which follow from recognising the moral nature of the beauty ideal.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Philosophical Ethics and Theory
Ethics
Aesthetics
and Art
Emotions and Moral Behavior
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Handbooks of sociology and social research
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
- Pages
- 35–44
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter