- G-d can only be spoken of in neagtive language (negativa) - also known as the Apophatic way
- Via postivia = positive language
Strengths of the Via Negativa
- Prevents anthropomorphic statements being made about God - we = not left with a human view of Him.
- Can be seen as more respectful. Maimonides argued that positive statements about God = improper as they do not fully convey the idea we require.
- Supports the view of many thinkers. That we do not speak of God in an improper way.
- Only the Via Negativa adequately conveys the transcendence of God.
Weaknesses of the Via Negativa
- It could be argued that the result is a very limited understanding of God. The method doesn’t even work for everyday objects let alone a transcendent God.
- The Via Negativa is not a true reflection of how people speak about God. They instead seek positive knowledge of God.
- It claims that no positive statement can be made about God, but surely if we are saying that something isn’t something then we are also stating that it is.
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