metaphorical transference seems to be the most common

so we can know the nature and essence of God from some innate form of knowledge, but the divine effects that our intellect cannot recognize leave us with negation to fill in the outline of "God" as a name

so the substance is named due to it's participation in hardness which causes it to hurt the foot- not named for it's participation in the action of physically hurting the foot

our innate intellect can only take us so far when it comes to discovering and understanding God

interesting distinction between being and causing

saying that the names are used to express how something differs from God rather than how it is like God

I"m intrigued by this question, I never considered this

Aristotle (Categories?)

negation...

i had to read this explanation like 5 times to wrap my head around it

this seems like circular reasoning

seems to be a common "division" of God- like the Trinity

cannot be likened in a way that is fitting and honoring to the study of the divine

connotation that metaphors would be degrading of the holy scripture

again, distinction between "of God" and "by God"

dual nature not known by other sciences

this made a lot of sense to me

interesting that the philosophical science would not encompass the study of these but rather divides them into their own studies

interesting distinction between these studies

intense

Any instance of communication from God is for the purposes of commanding or proclaiming a desire

Why does this matter?

Because they weren't being taught correctly in the first place?

Maimonides feels very strongly about this- one must not even listen to such nonsense in his opinion

it seems like he has

this is a pretty deceptive tactic that would be revealing of the author's intentions- rather than presenting the counterargument, the opposing premise is simply concealed from the reader to avoid contradiction

basically admitting that the intentions for writing this are self-centered on his own success as a "liberator"

interesting and unexpected insertion of emotional influence

Demands the reader do an in depth and focused analysis of each phrase while also connecting the chapters together in order to gain complete understanding, as he expects to be the goal of the reader

The functionality/applicability of the parable to scripture is what brings forth meaning to those who wish to interpret the sacred text

basically safeguarding against criticism of an incomplete interpretation within the text, especially since it is aimed towards learned religious

interesting analogy

knowledge outside & independent, relating to outside world vs innate, specialized knowledge of the individual

everything functions in pursuit of the Good, happiness

this reminds me of the existence of the soul after death that Socrates discusses

observable hierarchy

interesting word choice here. It seems as if the creator is enhancing the already beautiful appearance with objects that would elevate its beauty, like He is decorating something ornate. This connotes a special respect or admiration for his creation of humans

Words are so sacred and powerful in their intent that they must be pure in order to be accepted. Very reverent devotion of one's self control in honoring the Creator.

like causal chains

An Aristotelian, teaching by traveling to various areas

interesting application of understanding "in the soul" with respect to comprehending information, even of what is nonexistent

so a thing must exist in itself before it can be predicated of/attributed to another thing which exists

infinite regress

its distinctive nature or quality, essence

must free the mind of earthly knowledge in order to gain insight into divine knowledge

this is an interesting phrase in relation to all the other praise worthy statements made prior. Hiding place connotes a desire to be hidden from the guise/pursuit of knowledge that humans desire. This reminds me of deism

an interesting comment on how he is as much a student as anyone else

God is truth, it seems

Similar to the deviation from the Good that is described to be evil- but less intentional perhaps

This is an interesting distinction between immortality and eternal life that I previously I hadn't considered

This is an interesting take on the pursuit of knowledge and Wisdom- God could have presented everything in existence to us so we may know of it, but instead it seems that the pursuit of knowledge is greater than the knowledge of what exists itself.

Another interesting qualification of the presence of evil

Continuous reference to the theme of unity & oneness, as referenced by Boethius

This brought the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd to mind for me, as The Good- God- brings back those who are scattered, or lost, to seek salvation. This seems to be a very merciful depiction of Him.

The analogies in this section really clarified the relationship between human devotion to prayer and the union with God for me. While it seems as if, through prayer, we are bringing God to our level while reconciling problems in our lives or imploring for wisdom and strength, what is truly occurring, at least according to Pseduo-Dionysus, is the elevation of the spirit or soul to reside in communion with His grace. Thus, when prayer is disregarded, the influence is reversed, and it is ourselves creating the gap by shunning communication through free will, not God, the immovable force.

All goodness comes from God, so humans can be good but free will allows humans the capacity for evil/wickedness, thus relating back to the ideal reinforced in Consolation of Philosophy that all humans strive for the Good, which is God.

Ability to produce in abundance

This reminds me of when Moses asked God what the Israelites should call him when devoting praise to His name. God tells Moses: "I am who I am.. this is my name forever" This also references the reverence of the name of Yahweh that the Jews would never even speak aloud, as naming the Lord God could result in taking His name in vain. These sources of identity all support the idea that God is something otherworldly, so divine and outside the realm of human understanding that the account of His divine names is one that is not to be taken lightly or assumed.