Prologue

Let us now begin a careful consideration of each several point, as far as it can be grasped and understood; for it has been wisely said, in my opinion, that it is a scholar’s duty to formulate his belief about anything according to its real nature.

Speculative science may be divided into three kinds: physics, mathematics, and theology.

Physics deals with motion and is not abstract or separable; for it is concerned with forms of bodies together with their constituent matter, which forms cannot be separated in reality from their bodies. As bodies are in motion—the earth, for instance, tending downward, and fire tending upward—form takes on the movementof the particular thing to which it is annexed.

Mathematics does not deal with motion and is not abstract, for it investigates forms of bodies apart from matter, and therefore apart from movement, which forms being connected with matter cannot really be separated from bodies.

Theology does not deal with motion and is abstract and of things inseparable, for the divine substance is without matter or motion.

In physics we are bound to use scientific concepts, in mathematics systematic concepts, in theology intellectual concepts; and in theology we will not let ourselves be diverted to play with imaginations, but will consider simply form.