On Hume & Intelligent Design

[annwfyn]

As some of you may know, pierot is currently doing a theology degree, and as such there tend to be theology text books around the house, and I've been periodically reading them. And they are really interesting

Comments

[kiffkin]

There's a quote by the Dalai Lama (I'll see if I can dig it out) where he's talking about art. He says that it isn't aesthetics that makes something beautiful, but instead it's the effect it has on people that defines whether or not a thing has beauty. Appearance is basically irrelevant.

[annwfyn]

I would be interested to read that.

[kiffkin]

Trying to find it now, but I have a feeling I may have read it in a library book. I've found a picture of the piece (it's this statue) he's talking about along with a summary of what he said, but I can't find the actual quote yet. From what I remember, he's asked what he thinks is the most beautiful work of art (or maybe the most beautiful statue?) and he describes this one, even though he's never seen it, as it's inspired so many people.

[kiffkin]

And five minutes later I find it. Gimme a mo.

[kiffkin]

From "The Story of Tibet, Conversations with the Dalai Lama" by Thomas Laird, Atlantic Books (London), 2006, pp. 101-103