Apophatic theology, also known as negative theology or the via negativa, is a philosophical and theological approach that seeks to understand and describe the nature of Deus or the ultimate reality by emphasizing what cannot be said or known about it. The term "apophatic" comes from the Greek word "apophasis," which means "denial" or "negation." In contrast to cataphatic theology, which uses positive statements and attributes to describe Deus, apophatic theology focuses on the limitations of human language and concepts when attempting to grasp the divine.

Apophatic theology recognizes that human language and concepts are inherently limited and cannot fully capture or comprehend the nature of Deus, who is fundamentally transcendent, infinite, and beyond human comprehension. According to this approach, any attempt to define or describe Deus using positive attributes or concepts would inevitably fall short, as the essence of Deus is beyond human comprehension.

Instead of making positive assertions about Deus, apophatic theology employs a strategy of negation, recognizing that we can only approach Deus by negating or negating what Deus is not. By removing or negating humanly derived characteristics and concepts, apophatic theology seeks to create a space for the transcendent, allowing the mystery of Deus to remain intact. This approach aims to highlight the ineffable and unknowable aspects of the divine, emphasizing that Deus is beyond human understanding and language.

Apophatic theology does not deny the value of positive assertions or cataphatic theology. Rather, it sees them as limited and incomplete, serving as only a partial and provisional understanding of the divine. It recognizes that the human mind and language are incapable of fully grasping the depths of the divine mystery.

Apophatic theology often employs paradox and contradictory language as a way to express the ineffable nature of Deus. Phrases such as "Deus is beyond being and non-being," "Deus is neither this nor that," or "Deus is emptiness and unknowing" are used to illustrate the limitations of human language and concepts when approaching the divine.

In conclusion, apophatic theology is a philosophical and theological approach that emphasizes the limitations of human language and concepts when attempting to describe or understand the nature of the ultimate reality. It recognizes that the ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension and employs a strategy of negation to approach the ineffable and mysterious aspects of the ultimate reality. By recognizing what the ultimate reality is not, apophatic theology seeks to create a space for encountering the divine beyond the limitations of human understanding.