ATTRIBUTES, in Logic, is an Epithet given to any Subject; Or it is any predicate thereof; or whatever may be affirmed or denied of any thing. See SUBJECT, PREDICATE, etc.
Every Proposition consists of a Subject, an Attribute, and a Conjunctive Particle. See PROPOSITION. Attributes are usually divided into positive, which give a thing somewhat; as when we say of a Man that he is animate: And privative; as when we say of a Stone that it is inanimate. Others again, divide them into common, which agree to several different Things, as Animal: And proper, as Thought, etc. The Word is compounded of the Latin, ad, to; and tribuo, give.
ATTRIBUTES, in Theology, are understood of the several Qualities and Perfections which we conceive in God; and which are his proper Essence; as Justice, Goodness, Wisdom, etc. See GOD.
The Heathen Mythologists divided the Deity into as many distinct Beings as he has Attributes: Thus the Power of God was Mars, the Wrath and Vengeance of God, Juno, etc. See MYTHOLOGY.
ATTRIBUTES, in Painting and Sculpture, are Symbols added to several Figures, to denote their particular Office and Character. See FIGURE and SYMBOL.
Thus the Club is an Attribute of Hercules; the Palm an Attribute of Victory; the Peacock of Juno; the Eagle of Jupiter, etc. See STATUE, SCULPTURE, etc.
