Language

Names either attach to things by nature, reflecting their essence, or by convention; Plato leaves the question open.

Words are conventional signs of thoughts, which are themselves natural likenesses of things.

Words are signs that point beyond themselves; understanding requires inner illumination, not merely hearing sounds.

Human language signifies through concepts; we can name God only by analogy, never univocally.

Words are arbitrary marks for thoughts, and the abuse of language is the principal source of philosophical error.

Words stand for ideas in the speaker's mind, not for things directly; the imperfections of language are the source of most philosophical disputes.

Language arose from passion and need; its origin reveals the natural sociability and emotional depth of early humanity.

Abstract ideas are particular ideas attached to general terms; language creates the illusion of abstract thought.

The categories of thought structure experience independently of language, but language remains the necessary medium of communicable knowledge.