Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
DOCTA IGNORANTIA
Learned ignorance. In theology it means that whatever man learns about God is infinitesimal compared to the infinity of being that is the divine essence, and must be expressed in negative terms such as in-finite, in-comprehensible, in-effable. The expression was originally the title of a treatise, De Docta Ignorantia, by Nicholas of Cusa (1401-64) to describe human insight into the divinity.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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