definitions final exam

Question 1

Act and Potency

Answer 1

• Potency = Potency refers to the capacity or potential for something to become or be actualized. It describes a state of possibility. It represents what could be but is not yet.
• Act = refers to the realization or fulfillment of a potential. It is the state of being fully realized. It represents what is.

Question 2

Active vs passive intellect:

Answer 2

The passive intellect refers to the part of the mind that receives and stores information from the external world. It is considered “receptive” or “potential” because it is capable of receiving impressions, but it doesn’t actively shape or process them
- The active intellect, in contrast, is the part of the mind that actively shapes, organizes, and processes the raw data received by the passive intellect. It is the “actualizing” intellect, converting potential knowledge into real, structured understanding.

Question 3

Anchorite/Anchoress:

Answer 3

• Anchorite= men
• Anchoress= women where remove yourself from society, but you are anchored a way of living, you’re in religious devotion, voluntarily enclosed in a small cell, often attached to a church or monastery.

Question 4

Anthropocentrism

Answer 4

assumes that human beings are the most significant entities in the universe, Non-human entities (animals, plants, ecosystems) are often valued based on their utility or benefit to humans. (ex: “Forests are valuable because they provide timber and clean air for humans.”), means that the world is human centered, creation of the whole universe is for us, ecocentrism (opposite), It evaluates everything in terms of its value or utility to humans

Question 5

Antinomianism

Answer 5

anti-law, once we know that we are saved (justified by faith) = not justified by law. What you do does not have to respect the love to be saved. opposes the idea that adherence to moral law is necessary for salvation (often emphasizes grace, faith, or inner spiritual guidance over external rules).

Question 6

Arianism

Answer 6

correct interpretation of the trinity is that there is only one god (christ, son, spirit), Jesus Christ is created and subordinate to God the Father, not co-eternal or of the same essence (homoousios).

Question 7

Asceticism:

Answer 7

starving of monks, deny themselves, extreme, forcing them to suffer (throw up in church but stay to listen to church), over body force. Self-discipline, renunciation of physical pleasures, and simplicity to achieve spiritual or moral progress.

Question 8

Atonement

Answer 8

which refers to the reconciliation of humanity with God through the removal of sin. It is a process by which an offense or wrong (especially sin) is expiated or redeemed, restoring the relationship between humans and the divine.

Question 9

Blasphemy

Answer 9

any speech/action that shows a lack of due reverence to the divine (swearing), Debates over freedom of speech vs. religious respect, especially in art, media, and satire. Insulting or showing disrespect for religious figures, deities, or sacred things.

Question 10

Christendom

Answer 10

a world ruled by Christianity, Christendom refers to the collective body of Christian-majority societies or regions where Christianity has historically been the dominant religion and cultural force. It often describes the influence of Christianity on politics, culture, and values, particularly in medieval Europe when Christian states were united under shared faith and governance. While it historically implied a political-religious unity, today it reflects the cultural and historical legacy of Christianity across the world.

Question 11

Christology

Answer 11

name for the study of Christ (nature), angel with human body nature, orthodox view = human and divine. Study of the nature and person of Jesus Christ.

Question 12

Consubstantial

Answer 12

with the same substance, three persons of the trinity (same substance), Christ consubstantiation to son and spirit, but also human). Affirmed in the Nicene Creed to counter Arianism. Emphasizes that the Father and Son share the same divine essence

Question 13

Cosmopolitanism

Answer 13

cosmos, politics, single governt entity, the whole world as one. A theory that promotes global citizenship and the moral and ethical duty to all of humanity, transcending national or cultural boundaries. All human beings share a common moral standing and should be treated with equal dignity and respect, regardless of nationality.

Question 14

Demonstration

Answer 14

Comes from Aristotle philosophy, syllogism that gives scientific knowledge, identifies the cause of things. Deductions that give scientific knowledge, begin from causes and, syllogism (all S is P, all P is Q therefore, deductively valid all S is Q, identify true cause of things). A logical or mathematical process of reasoning to establish a truth.

Question 15

Ens necessarium

Answer 15

The necessary being only one of these which is god, all of the things are contingent where it could fail to be true or it could be true. In other words, an ens necessarium is a being whose non-existence is impossible, and its existence is independent of other factors or conditions.

Question 16

Essence v. Existence

Answer 16

• Essence: Refers to the fundamental nature of a being—what it is in itself. (What does it mean to be a unicorn)
• Existence: Refers to the actuality of a being—its being or presence in reality. The distinction we draw between what one’s nature is and separate from that the question of one’s existence (are there any). (what a unicorn is)
• God: gods essence isn’t difference from his existence (intrinsic nature).

Question 17

Fililoque

Answer 17

the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. The Eastern Orthodox Church rejects this addition, arguing that the Holy Spirit proceeds only from the Father, in accordance with the original wording of the Creed. From the son, source of controversy within Christianity. Eastern Christian denies that the spirit only proceeds from the Father.

Question 18

Final Cause

Answer 18

Telos, it is the end that explains a thing different, explanation for things (material, structure, efficient/process that got it here, the final cause would be that it enables us to write given the example of the table (function or the end that explains it). Thought thinking itself. End that explains the thing. The purpose, goal, or end for which something exists or happens (e.g., the function of a chair is to provide a place to sit). DANTE

Question 19

Godhead

Answer 19

that god is the divine essence The Godhead refers to the essential nature or substance of God, which is understood to be eternal, simple, and infinite. It is what makes God, distinct from all created beings. Unity (in the Trinity).

Question 20

Haecceity

Answer 20

“thisness”, determining factor that makes exactly the individual as it is. Something that makes this person distinguished from other (uniqueness). This applies to everything, not only humans. Essence refers to what makes a thing what it is in general, while haecceity refers to what makes it this particular thing.

Question 21

Hair Shirt:

Answer 21

Ascetic instrument, used in self-denial. Worn as a form of penance, ascetic practice, or self-mortification. Used metaphorically to describe self-imposed burdens or unnecessary suffering. To demonstrate devotion and self-discipline.

Question 22

Hylomorphism:

Answer 22

Greek term for Aristotle view composite of form and matter, intellectual recipe that makes you who you are. Refers to the idea that everything in the natural world is composed of both matter and form (All the things we encounter are the composite of matter suffering the action of a form). Body (matter) and soul (form).

Question 23

Imitatio dei

Answer 23

The imitation of God. To try in your life to imitate Jesus for Christians. Includes actions such as showing love, serving others selflessly, and enduring suffering for righteousness

Question 24

Intellectual Substance:

Answer 24

Being that isn’t the composition of matter and form, does not have a body. A substance primarily defined by its intellectual or immaterial nature, capable of thought and reason. The soul, angels, and God are often considered intellectual substances in philosophy and theology.

Question 25

Intercession

Answer 25

have god’s power on your side. Prayer that asks for god’s help (intervention). The act of intervening or praying on behalf of others, often for divine help, mercy, or blessing. To advocate for others, show compassion, seek divine intervention, and live out spiritual solidarity

Question 26

Limbo

Answer 26

Outer edge of hell, where (Dante) people like Socrates will have to spend their life, (stuck at the edges of hell). A theological concept referring to a state or place for souls who are not condemned to Hell but cannot enter Heaven.

Question 27

Messiah

Answer 27

Anointed one, the messiah is Christ (In Christianity), Jewish expect a military leader as there messiah (Christ is the savior). Son of God, divine and human. Bringing salvation and establishing the Kingdom of God.

Question 28

Mysticism

Answer 28

Concilement or hidiness, the attempt to unify with the divine in this life. Representing the search for direct, personal experience of the divine or ultimate reality. Through practices like meditation, prayer, and contemplation, mystics aim to transcend the ordinary and experience deep spiritual truths that go beyond intellectual knowledge.

Question 29

Natural Law

Answer 29

A philosophical and ethical theory that posits the existence of a set of moral principles that are inherent in human nature and can be discovered through reason and reflection, independent of enacted laws or societal norms. Rules governing human relationships, liked to the structure of the universe, live in accordance wit this natural order. Positive law is law made by society whereas natural law is the moral order of things

Question 30

Nicene Creed

Answer 30

It is a profession of Christian belief that affirms the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, including the nature of God, the identity of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This understanding of God as a unity of three distinct persons is central to most branches of Christianity. The Creed declares that Christ will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. The Creed also asserts the Holy Spirit’s role in sanctifying the Church and empowering the lives of Christians. Latins = father and the son is the source of Holy spirit

Question 31

Nominalism v. Realism:

Answer 31

• Nominalism: Universals do not exist independently; they are simply names or mental concepts. In this view, general concepts like “redness” or “humanity” are simply names we use to group together similar individual objects or experiences. (just a word)
• Realism: Universals exist as real entities, either independently or as instantiated in particular things. The belief that universals (or abstract entities like “redness,” “goodness,” or “humanity”) have real existence, independent of our minds. In other words, universals are not just names or labels that we impose on individual objects but exist as real, objective features of the world. (name + share “humanness”)
• Disagreement of the concept of language (humanity, assinity)

Question 32

Numerical Identity

Answer 32

A philosophical concept that refers to the idea that an entity is one and the same as itself. In other words, if two things are numerically identical, they are the same thing—there is no distinction between them. This is distinct from qualitative identity, which refers to the similarity or likeness between two things (e.g., two red apples may be qualitatively identical but not numerically identical). When we say two things are the same (this would be qualitative identity but not numerically the same. A thing is numerically the same can only be with itself)

Question 33

Passion

Answer 33

In general, passion refers to a strong feeling, emotion, or intense drive that deeply affects a person’s thoughts, actions, or behavior.

Question 34

Pollution

Answer 34

refers to the contamination of the purity of the soul, we see sin as being understood as pollution which corrupts the soul. Sin is viewed as a form of spiritual pollution, and the process of purification is necessary to cleanse the soul and restore it to its original, untainted state. Purification rights to free us from pollution.

Question 35

Prime matter

Answer 35

Concept of Aritotle metaphysic refers to the fundamental, underlaying substance that takes on any form but itself lacks specific form. People believed that fundamental elements of nature were air, fire, water and earth. Pirme matter is something imply but that you don’t necessarily encounter. Reality of matter but you don’t really encounter it
shared common nature (charged potential to take on forms), abstract,

Question 36

Principles of Continuity, Gradation, Plenitude:

Answer 36

• Full, but continuous from one form to the next, continuous with the level over it, hierarchy with power. Uninterrupted flow from one to another. Gradation is from the highest form of thing to the lowest things. Plenitude means that it is full (no emptiness), gradation is from the highest form of thing to the lowest things and that there is continuity with the things below and/or above it.

Question 37

Principle of Sufficient Reason

Answer 37

Nothing is without reason, the thought that you pursue some kind of explanation. Try to give an account of reality. Everything has a cause or explanation that is adequate to account for the existence of things or why things are happening.

Question 38

Purgatory

Answer 38

Transition in the afterlife, where you will have your sins purged from you, make you acceptable. The soul is purified through suffering and spiritual growth makes you acceptable to heaven. Temporary state where souls are purified before entering the afterlife

Question 39

Quiddity

Answer 39

the “whatness” of a thing, humanity/human nature. Another way to see the essence. It is a specific way of expressing or focusing on the essence that defines its identity. It is not limited to humanity but applies to all entities

Question 40

Sabellianism

Answer 40

Interpretation of the trinity. Denied that there are three persons of God. God is one rather than three. Rejects the idea of the Trinity as three distinct persons and puts the emphasis on God’s singularity.

Question 41

Spiritual Body:

Answer 41

The resurrection of the body, like a glorified body, rather than just being a soul, they still have a body but in a higher form. Spiritual body is a glorified version of the physical body, resurrected for eternal life. It still has its bodily nature but it is purified and perfected, free from the corruptions and limitations of the earthly body.

Question 42

Substantial Form

Answer 42

The idea that refers to the essence, every being you encounter is a composition of matter and form. Metaphysical principle that gives a thing its essence, organizing and actualizing matter into a specific substance, Matter and form are combined to make up the individual substance. It is what a thing is.

Question 43

Suffering Servant:

Answer 43

Read as a prophecy of Christ, a person who is forced to suffer, suffers for all of the sin, Jesus is the suffering servant that suffers for the sin of all humanity.

Question 44

Summum bonum

Answer 44

Means the highest good, the highest form of life. In Christian tradition, God is equivalent to this concept since He is the source and embodiment of all goodness. Not just abstract but also a personal relationship with God. The ultimate fulfillment and purpose of human life is to love, worship and be united with God (highest form of good)

Question 45

Teleology

Answer 45

Try to explain in reference to the end and the function that it serves. Ex motion of the star why are they moving, bc of the purpose they are trying to attain perfection and the more perfect may is circular. It is the philosophical idea that processes and phenomena in the universe are directed toward specific goals, purposes, or ends. Things occur or exist for the sake of a final purpose.

Question 46

Theological Virtues

Answer 46

3 virtues of Christian theology faith, hope, and charity, are distinguished from cardinal virtues such as justice, wisdom, temperance, and courage which are more related to human actions. Christians add the 3 virtues, that direct us to the life we have to live to lead us to the afterlife/ heaven. Faith: the virtue by which we believe in God, trust in God’s truth, and acceptance of his teachings. Hope: virtue by which we desire and expect eternal life with God, that He will provide the grace to reach this ultimate end. Charity: the love of God above all things and the love of neighbor. Pushes someone to act in a way that reflects God’s mercy and love.

Question 47

Transcendentals

Answer 47

Being and one or unity and truth and goodness. It means everything that is regardless of the category it is in. Everything that exists is true even and transcends from the characteristics. Qualities or properties that are universally applicable to everything that exists. The qualities transcend being meaning they apply to all beings regardless of their classification

Question 48

Universals

Answer 48

General concept that can be attributed to many different individual things. It is common to multiple particular objects, evets, or ideas.

Question 49

Voluntarism

Answer 49

Part of will, voluntarily says. It all depends on god’s will. Power of God to make the world the way he wants. Associated with the idea that God’s will is supreme and that the divine will is the primary source of everything that happens in the world. It contrasts with reason and necessity.