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Attributes that do not constitute a substance's essence but rather modify it, such as color or weight. Medieval debates on accidents centered on the Eucharist and the concept of transubstantiation.

Aristotelian concepts adopted in medieval philosophy to explain change and the actualization of potential within beings; pivotal in understanding creation and the nature of God as pure act.

A metaphysical principle rooted in Plato and later developed by medieval philosophers such as Aquinas, referring to the way created beings 'participate' in the existence and characteristics of the divine.

In medieval philosophical terms, prime matter represents pure potentiality without form; it is the substratum for all physical change and is never found in a pure state.

Also known as 'whatness,' quiddity is the essence of a thing, answering the question of what it is. This concept was fundamental in medieval logic and metaphysics for defining things' nature.

Latin for 'Analogy of Being.' This concept refers to the way in which language may be applied to God and creation in a way that is neither univocally identical nor equivocally unrelated.

Augustine's metaphysical theory suggesting that God illuminates the human mind, enabling it to understand universals and moral truths; an alternative to empirical and rationalist theories of knowledge acquisition.

A philosophical concept that everything flows in a hierarchical and logical fashion from the One (God). Influential in Neoplatonism and the works of philosophers like Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite.

An argument for God's existence popularized by St. Anselm, which asserts that God, being defined as 'that than which nothing greater can be conceived,' must exist in reality since existing in reality is greater than existing in the mind alone.

A concept holding that God is not composed of parts or attributes, but is entirely identical with His essence and existence, having no potentiality, change, or division.

Substance in medieval philosophy, drawing from Aristotle, refers to that which exists in itself and not in another; considered the primary category of being. Significant for discussions on God's nature and the essence of created things.

The distinction made prominent by Aquinas where essence concerns 'what a thing is' while existence refers to 'that a thing is', highlighting the contingent nature of created beings versus the necessary being of God.

Aristotelian principles describing the hylomorphic (matter-form) composition of physical objects. Matter provides potentiality, while form provides actuality; essential in discussions of the soul and body.

Coined by Duns Scotus, haecceity refers to the 'thisness' that gives individual entities their unique identity, differentiating them from others of the same kind.

A doctrine that stipulates the use of analogical language in speaking about God, highlighting both similarity and dissimilarity between divine and human attributes; key in avoiding anthropomorphism.

A hierarchical structure of all matter and life, believed to have been decreed by God. This idea was prominent in medieval Christian thought, providing a God-ordained order to the cosmos.

In medieval theology, the ultimate direct self-communication of God to the individual person. It is the end goal of human existence and the ultimate source of human happiness.

A theory developed from Aristotle stating that everything is a compound of matter and form. It was adopted by medieval philosophers to counter dualistic and materialistic views of reality.

The philosophical debate concerning the reality and status of universal concepts, such as 'goodness.' It was central to realist-nominalist controversies, with thinkers like William of Ockham involved.