The Via Negativa Flashcards
what does univocal mean?
words have one meaning
what does equivocal mean?
words have more than one meaning
what is the via negativa?
the idea that god cannot be described using human language
who distinguished between the apophatic and cataphatic way?
pseudo-dyonysius
how do those who value the via negativa view language?
language of god is equivocal
why is the via negativa’s view of language of god as equivocal a problem?
everyone has a different impression of what god is, therefore words can be misleading and anthropomorphise god
what is the via positiva or cataphatic way?
positive theology
language prayer
what is the via negativa or apophatic way?
wordless
contemplative
silent prayer
what was maiamonides ship analogy?
by saying what the ship is not, we eventually reach a clearer idea of what it is
