3. The Process of Knowledge.
Opposed to the argu-
ment of immediate
apprehension is the theory that the
notion of beauty is the result of a
cognitive process,
in which quantity, quality, modality, and relation
have
to be determined by comparison, by determination of
size and
distance, and by the use of judgment. The
factors involved in the process
vary according to the
conception of beauty. The faculty of judgment is
pre-
dominant when norms, rules, and
conformity form the
basis. Most of those who maintain the argument of
rational knowledge, posit a basic, direct response of
pleasure and emotion,
which precedes, stimulates, and
accompanies the forming of knowledge.
There exists finally the opinion that owing to pro-
longed exercise of our aesthetic faculties and appli-
cation as well as cultivation of
talent, the cognitive
process escapes notice, and we or others believe our
apprehension of beauty to be immediate.
