Chapter 1

The meaning of simplicity

430. First, we must note that the word simplicity has been taken in various ways. It was first used to exclude multiplicity. In this sense it is equivalent to unicity.

Secondly, it was used to exclude extension, and in this sense came to stand for inextension.

Thirdly, it was used to exclude materiality (sensiferous force), and comes to mean corporeity or spirituality.

All these are ways which require the soul to be simple.