Literary notes about univocal (AI summary)
In literary and philosophical discourse, the word "univocal" is used to emphasize that a term conveys one consistent meaning in every context. Writers stress that a term is univocal when it does not change signification across different applications, ensuring clarity and precision in language [1][2]. This approach contrasts with equivocal or ambiguous usage, where words may imply multiple meanings depending on context. Scholars also discuss how univocal terms function in logical arguments and metaphysical debates, such as when determining whether characteristics or attributes can be uniformly applied to varied subjects—a distinction that is crucial when exploring issues like predication and identity [3][4]. Through such usage, "univocal" serves as an important tool in clarifying meaning and avoiding misunderstanding in complex theoretical discussions.
- (3) An univocal term is a term which does not have more than one meaning.
— from A Class Room Logic Deductive and Inductive, with Special Application to the Science and Art of Teaching by George Hastings McNair - A term is said to be Univocal, when it has one and the same meaning wherever it occurs.
— from Deductive Logic by St. George William Joseph Stock - It is not simply one, for this would yield univocal predication; nor is it simply manifold, for this would give equivocal predication.
— from Ontology, or the Theory of Being by P. (Peter) Coffey - I answer that, Univocal predication is impossible between God and creatures.
— from Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars)From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint
