Definition of a term
Definition of a term
(in Scholasticism)
Nominal- Is discourse (language, speech, oratio) by which the meaning of a term is explained.
Positive- That which reveals the essence of a thing in positive terms, e.g., man is a rational animal.
Negative- That which states the nature of a thing in negative terms, e.g. God is not mortal, not corporeal, etc. Cf. La Logique de Port-Royal, Pt. I, ch. XII.