Surpassing and comparison

Use in the book

The argument that nothing stands above goodness examines the very vocabulary of superiority: something could be “better” only by a greater share of goodness. Rule and predominance are desired as goods, so an evil supposedly overpowering goodness would already rely on what it excludes. The comparative is part of the proof, not merely enthusiastic praise.

The infinite-regress argument likewise asks what licenses judging soul better than body. Ficino appeals to nearness to a supreme standard. His claim that one infinite is neither broader nor narrower than another belongs to this argument; it should not be generalized into a modern theorem about infinities. When world and God are compared as finite and infinite, shadow-language expresses a radical inequality of dependence, without denying that the world has the being it receives.

Places to read

1. II.1.4, II.1.5, II.1.6Better and surpassing are treated as dependent on goodness
2. II.3.4, II.3.5, II.3.6Rank requires an ideal measure rather than indefinitely deferred superiority
3. II.7.22, II.7.23Comparison governs the claim that an effect is empty or shadow-like

Translation in this edition

“Nearer” and “more akin” in II.3.5 translate different comparatives, propinquior and convenientior. “Compared with” in II.7.22–232 is essential: the text’s claim is relative to the first cause’s substance, not an unqualified declaration that creatures are nonexistent.

considerare / comparare

considerare / comparare. Printed forms: comparetur; considerantur; consideratur.

To consider under an aspect or compare in a relation. Being considered absolutely, an effect compared with its cause, and a part considered alone are distinct frames that qualify conclusions. References: II.4.2, II.7.22, II.9.22, II.10.2. See Surpassing and comparison.

distare

distare. Printed forms: distaret; distat.

To be distant or separated, in rank or in degree of actualization. The body’s distance from supreme goodness and nonbeing’s distance from act are not measurements of physical location. References: II.3.4, II.4.5. See Surpassing and comparison.

excedere / superare

excedere / superare. Printed forms: excedat; excedetur; excessus; superabit; superant; superantes.

To exceed or surpass in rank, extent, or power. The reader must identify the respect of comparison; surpassing goodness would already depend on goodness. References: II.1.5, II.3.2, II.3.9, II.9.11. See Surpassing and comparison.

excellens / eminens / deterior / altior / remotior

excellens / eminens / deterior / altior / remotior. Printed forms: deterioribus; eminentior; excellentissimam; excellentius; remotiorem.

Greater excellence, inferiority, height, or remoteness in the specified comparison. Higher cognition includes what lower powers know and more; remoter potency requires stronger actualization. References: II.1.1, II.3.10, II.4.5, II.9.6, II.9.16. See Surpassing and comparison.

imperium

imperium. Printed forms: imperii; imperio; imperium.

Dominion or range of rule. Truth’s dominion exceeds mind’s because even formless matter truly is matter; the metaphor concerns explanatory reach. References: I.6.11. See Governing, serving and dominion.

Dominion or scope of rule and action. Supremacy is treated as desirable good; inferior causes have a narrower domain of efficacy. References: II.1.5, II.7.30. See Surpassing and comparison.

Command or effective rule. The chapter opens by placing production under will’s command, then asks how that will can be free and necessary together. References: II.12.1. See Governing, serving and dominion.

melior / melius

melior / melius. Printed forms: melior; meliorem; meliores; meliori; Melius; melius.

Better, with comparison grounded locally in greater goodness. The soul’s superiority to body and the alleged better gift require a standard of comparison. References: II.1.6, II.3.4, II.3.6, II.7.5. See Surpassing and comparison.

praeponere / praeferre

praeponere / praeferre. Printed forms: praeferantur; praeponitur; praeponuntur.

To place above or prefer in rank. A proposed principle above unity and an ideal standard for preferring one thing to another are examined, not assumed together. References: II.1.3, II.3.1, II.3.5. See Surpassing and comparison.

praestare / praestans

praestare / praestans. Printed forms: praestabit; praestantior; praestantius; Praestantius; praestat.

To surpass or be more excellent, but also to furnish or bestow. The same family compares ranks and says goodness gives the power claimed by an imagined rival. References: II.1.3, II.1.5, II.3.9, II.6.20. See Surpassing and comparison.

propinquus / conveniens

propinquus / conveniens. Printed forms: convenientior; propinquior.

Nearer or more akin to a standard. The soul’s superiority over body is explained as greater proximity to supreme goodness. References: II.3.4, II.3.5. See Surpassing and comparison.