Book Two Summary and Analysis

In Book Two, Augustine analyzes signs qua signs (for signs can be things, as well). He constructs a conceptual framework for analyzing signs. On this view, words are signs, but they are hard to understand signs because the Scripture contains many languages and God provides Scriptural complexity to satisfy a hard-working mind. Signs must be divided into those that are natural, i.e., ones that are signs regardless of whether they want to be, and given signs, which are used only to express and transmit thoughts. The latter category of signs is what Augustine will discuss. He also covers how these signs are communicated to the various senses (mostly through the ears).

One's interpretation can run astray when he misses a sign or finds an ambiguous sign; signs can be literal or metaphorical. Further, signs can be ambiguous by...