Section

As for the denial of particular “attributes known through revelation” on the grounds that they entail composition, which in turn entails need and dependence, an argument of this kind has already been answered.

If “composition” means what is understood by it in the language, in common usage, or in the usage of certain people—something assembled by another, something previously separate that then came together, something combining indivisible atoms or matter and form, or something whose parts can be separated from one another—then we do not concede the first premise. We do not concede that affirming the Face and Hand entails composition in this sense.

If, however, it means inseparability, while one thing is intrinsically distinct from another, so that this is not that, then the same consequence is binding upon them regarding the qualitative attributes known through reason, such as knowledge, power, hearing, and sight. None of these attributes is identical to another; rather, each is intrinsically distinct from the other, even though the two are inseparable and characterize one and the same being. We understand this in the attributes of created things, as with the sun’s parts and accidental properties.

Furthermore, if by need and dependence it is meant that He cannot exist without something distinct from Him, this is not conceded. But if it means that whatever is included in what His name designates must exist, and that the Necessary Existent cannot exist without those things included in what His name designates,