"And according to this the active intellect is required for understanding, in like manner and for the same reason as light is required for seeing."
— St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Work Title
Date
1273
Metaphor
"And according to this the active intellect is required for understanding, in like manner and for the same reason as light is required for seeing."
Metaphor in Context
Reply OBJ 2: There are two opinions as to the effect of light. For some say that light is required for sight, in order to make colors actually visible. And according to this the active intellect is required for understanding, in like manner and for the same reason as light is required for seeing. But in the opinion of others, light is required for sight; not for the colors to become actually visible; but in order that the medium may become actually luminous, as the Commentator says on De Anima ii. And according to this, Aristotle's comparison of the active intellect to light is verified in this, that as it is required for understanding, so is light required for seeing; but not for the same reason.
(Q79 A3 Rp 2)
(Q79 A3 Rp 2)
Categories
Provenance
Reading at Past Masters
Citation
St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, trans. Fathers of the English Dominican Province (London: Burns, Oates, and Washburne, 1912-36; New York: Benziger, 1947-48; New York: Christian Classics, 1981). Text from Intelex Past Masters, The Collected Works of St. Thomas Aquinas. Electronic edition. <Link to Past Masters>
Date of Entry
06/14/2011
