What is the difference between the Via Positiva and the Via Negativa?

The Via Negative (also known as the apophatic way) is the idea that we can only state things about God by stating what he is not. Positive sentences about God such as "God is Good" cannot be valid as it describes God, an infinite being, in terms of finite human language, distorting the statement and making it untrue. The Via Positive (also known as the cataphatic way) is the argument that it is possible to make positive statements about God. This view, most notably supported by Aquinas argues that while human language may not be accurate, it can be indicative of the qualities of God. This is because, as we are part of God's creation, it is possible for us to have an understanding of the nature of God.