Suárez on Forms, Universals and Understanding

Abstract

The interpretation in the secondary literature on Suarez' position in the classical debate on the status of universals vary considerably. In this article, the problem is looked at from at slightly different angle: that of Suarez' basic metaphysics of substantial forms and his views concerning understanding and knowledge. These areas of Suarez' thought are thoroughly analysed and related to each other. Regarding the question of the status of universals it is argued that Suarez' thought in the areas of substantial forms and of understanding generally supports the reading of Suarez as a moderate nominalist.