Angelic Species, Intellectual Nature

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AndyF

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Can it be demonstrated that angels differ in species according to the degrees of their intellectual nature.? Do we have any evidence to support this claim by Aquinas.?

Ref: Treatise on Angels (Summ QQ[50]-64)

It would seem that Aquinas proposes a differing species can be determined by the degree of intelligience of the angel.

Andy:)
 
My very simple thought is to consider what there is in angels that could be variable and thus a basis for species differentiation. They all have free wills. What else is there then besides the intellect?
 
They all have free wills.
… every intelligent genus.

Differing intelligience seems to be groping at straws, since the nature of intelligience as far as I know share the same attributes of intelligient beings. It has degrees, and this is a common attribute, they have differing endowments and can be quantified, has one can possess lessor or greater degree, and so it is in the angels. It is possible for man to attain the same intelligience has angels, since if we are to “judge angels”(Rom?) it would be necessary for man to understand the angel and their arguements.

I don’t question motives and intent in any of this, but I do see a peculiarity. The case of the Fall is a story on how communication can bridge species in order to cause another intelligent being to be persuaded to act in a certain way. If this case were to be assigned to a “Sin Prevention Commitee”, it would summate that species is not a barrier in prevention of sin, but communication between intelligent beings presents the cross-genus threat.

The irony is that once we became determined that this is a valid reason, we forget the editing, and the obvious species difference between Eve and Satan in the later case. Applied in this case also, Eve is exhonerated on the same technicality. Because of this, regardless if sin can be probagated among the human species after this fact, it cannot find it’s source of justification from the first sin has by default there should have been no initial guilt transferance. Additionally, a demon-human persuassion should not carry weight.

So for me it is a puzzle.

Andy
 
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