The Sonnet Bloom

An equivocal cause, in philosophical and metaphysical terms, refers to a cause that produces effects or outcomes that are fundamentally different or unrelated in nature to the cause itself. The term “equivocal” is derived from the Latin aequivocus, meaning “of equal voice” or “ambiguous.” When a cause is equivocal, it means that it has diverse effects or manifestations that do not share a common essence or nature with the cause. In other words, the effects are unrelated or dissimilar to one another and may belong to entirely different categories or domains. For example, in the realm of nature, a single energy source like the sun can cause various effects, such as heat, light, and radiation. These effects are distinct and unrelated to each other in their fundamental nature, but they all stem from the same sun. In philosophical discourse, discussions about equivocal causes often revolve around the understanding of causality and how a single cause can give rise to multiple, diverse effects that may not have a straightforward or directly correlating relationship with the cause. This concept is notably discussed in scholastic philosophy and theology, especially within the works of philosophers like Thomas Aquinas.

A quidditative concept, also known as a quiddity, refers to the essential or intrinsic nature of something, focusing on what makes that thing what it is. Quiddity is derived from the Latin term “quidditas,” which translates to “whatness” or “what it is.” It delves into the fundamental characteristics, properties, or qualities that define the unique identity or essence of an object, entity, or concept. In philosophical and metaphysical contexts, discussions about quiddity involve exploring the fundamental nature and attributes that distinguish one thing from another, aiming to understand its intrinsic characteristics beyond mere appearances. It’s an essential concept in scholastic philosophy and metaphysics.

In the philosophical and theological context of St. Thomas Aquinas, analogy refers to a way of speaking about God and creatures. It involves understanding the relationship between the terms used to describe God and those used for creatures. St. Thomas Aquinas used analogy to address the limitations of human language and understanding when discussing the divine. There are two primary types of analogy in Thomistic thought

This type of analogy involves a relationship between a cause and its effects. For instance, when we say “the doctor is healthy,” we are attributing health to the doctor based on their ability to maintain health in others. Similarly, in the case of God, we attribute attributes like goodness, wisdom, and power to Him based on the effects we observe in the created world.

This type of analogy involves a relationship of proportion between different beings. For instance, a small model of a building can be a “house” in a certain sense, and a full-size building is also a “house” but in a more complete and literal sense. In theological terms, this relates to the proportion between created perfections and the perfection found in God. In both cases, analogy allows us to speak about God in a way that recognizes the fundamental difference between God (the Creator) and creation, while still acknowledging a relationship or similarity between the terms used. It acknowledges that human language is limited and that our understanding of God is derived from our experience of the created world. Analogy helps bridge the gap between our finite understanding and the infinite nature of God, allowing us to express truths about the divine within the constraints of human language and thought.