Scottish Mason of Prussia, or the Knight of Saint Andrew

Note

In this chapter, it is treated of those things that pertain to the nature and constitution of man, as he is composed of body and soul. First, the union of these parts must be considered, which is so intimate that they become one single being through themselves. For the soul is the substantial form of the body, giving it specific and vital existence. From this it follows that man is not merely a spirit using a body, but truly a rational animal.

Secondly, one must note the faculties of the soul, which are divided into cognitive and appetitive. The cognitive faculties are again either sensitive, which are concerned with particular objects, or intellective, which are directed toward universal things. Appetite is also twofold: sensitive, which is called passion, and intellective, which is the will.

Thirdly, the immortality of the human soul is discussed. Since it has its own operation, namely to understand, which does not depend on a corporeal organ as its subject, it follows that it is subsistent and consequently incorruptible.