Xiv. Of The Vegetative And Sensitive Powers
XIV. OF THE VEGETATIVE AND SENSITIVE POWERS
(A)
Are there in the soul divers powers corresponding to the divers acts it produces?
Yes, with the only exception of the first perfection which the soul gives to the body, namely, existence; but it gives this not through some power or faculty, but immediately, of itself (LXXVII.).
What powers of the soul give life to the body?
The vegetative powers.
What are these powers?
They are three in number, viz., the power of nutrition, of growth, and of reproduction (LXX VIII. 2).
(B)
What faculties of the soul give sense to the body?
The sensitive powers.
What are these powers?
They are twofold: the powers of knowing and the powers of loving.
What are the sensitive powers through which the body knows?
The five external senses (LXXVIII. 3).
What are these powers called?
They are called the powers of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching.
And the five external senses, what are they called?
They are called sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch (ibid.).
Are there also any internal sensitive powers of knowing that do not appear externally?
Yes, they are the common (or central) sense, the imagination, instinct (or estimative sense), and memory (LXXVIII. 4).