Chapter 6

The unity and hence the nature of the human being lies in the rational principle

1187. From what has been said, we can conclude:

1. The animal-sentient principle has reference only to the extended element.

2. The intellective principle has reference only to the idea.

3. The rational principle has reference equally to the felt-extended element through perception and reflection, to the idea and to the sentient and intellective principle, and finally to itself. It is, therefore, the rational principle which binds and embraces everything within the human being and extends to everything.

4. The unity of the human being is present, therefore, in the rational principle.

5. Finally, human beings are such only because they are single beings. They are human through the rational principle in which, therefore, as in its proper seat, humanity is completed and wholly ennatured.