The Philosopher Is Somehow a Lover of Metaphors

Enrique Martínez

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The Philosopher Is Somehow a Lover of Metaphors

In: The Bounds of Myth

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Enrique Martínez

Enrique Martínez
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 56–82

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004448674_005

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Abstract

The aim of this article is to explain the approach of Saint Thomas Aquinas in relation to the language that man uses to speak of God, in particular metaphorical language. Thus, it is a question of responding in this way to the apophatic problem. It begins with the claim of Aquinas, commenting on Aristotle’s Metaphysics: “The philosopher is, in a sense, a philo-myth, i.e., a lover of myth.” Aristotle’s position regarding myth is explained first; then I discuss the place of metaphor in the epistemological doctrine of Saint Thomas, following the perspective of the Thomistic School of Barcelona. I conclude that human language, including metaphorical language, can really express divine perfections, but without reaching the knowledge of the essence of God. Finally, I explain how God helped the cognitive weakness of man through Revelation, using metaphors to adapt to man’s way of knowing, which reaches the intelligible through the sensible.

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The Bounds of Myth

The Logical Path from Action to Knowledge

Series: Value Inquiry Book Series, Volume: 364 and Studies in the History of Western Philosophy, Volume: 364

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004448674

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 12 Mar 2021

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The Philosopher Is Somehow a Lover of Metaphors

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The Bounds of Myth

The Logical Path from Action to Knowledge

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