The Distinction Between Angel and Human (Man) and Angel

The Profound Chasm: Distinguishing Angel from Human

The nature of existence is a perennial question, prompting us to examine not only what is, but how different entities participate in being. Among the most fascinating and philosophically rich distinctions is that drawn between the angel and man. This article will unpack the fundamental differences between these two categories of intelligent beings, exploring their unique definitions, modes of existence, and capacities for knowledge and will, drawing upon the rich tradition found within the Great Books of the Western World. Ultimately, understanding this distinction is crucial for comprehending the vast tapestry of creation and our own unique place within it.

The Question of Being: Unpacking Diverse Intelligences

From the celestial hierarchies of Pseudo-Dionysius to the meticulous analyses of Thomas Aquinas, the concept of non-human intelligent beings—angels—has occupied a significant place in theology and philosophy. While often relegated to myth or religious dogma in modern discourse, the philosophical inquiry into angels offers profound insights into the nature of intelligence, immateriality, and the very structure of reality. By contrasting them with man, we gain a clearer definition of what it means to be human.

Defining the Angelic Nature: Pure Intellect, Immaterial Essence

In the classical philosophical tradition, particularly as articulated by figures like Aquinas, angels are understood as pure intelligences or separate substances. This means they are entirely immaterial, devoid of a body, and thus exist in a state utterly distinct from our own.

Immateriality: Unlike man, who is a composite of body and soul, an angel is pure spirit. This absence of matter has profound implications for their being and operation. They do not occupy space in the way a physical object does, nor do they perceive through senses.
Direct Apprehension of Truth: Angels gain knowledge through intuition, a direct and immediate grasp of truth. They do not reason discursively, moving from premises to conclusions as humans do. Their knowledge is infused, complete from the moment of their creation, and they apprehend universals directly, without needing to abstract them from sensory experience.
Immutable Will: An angelic choice, once made, is considered immutable. Because their intellect is perfect and their knowledge complete, their initial act of will, whether towards good or evil, is final and unchangeable. There is no "second thought" or repentance in the human sense.
Species and Individuality: Each angel is often considered to be its own species, due to its pure form. They are not individuals within a species in the same way humans are.

Defining the Human (Man) Nature: A Composite of Body and Soul

In stark contrast to the angel, man is defined by his composite nature: a unique and inextricable union of a material body and an immaterial, rational soul. This fundamental definition shapes every aspect of human existence.

Hylomorphic Union: Following Aristotle and Aquinas, man is understood as a hylomorphic being, meaning a composite of hyle (matter/body) and morphe (form/soul). The soul is the substantial form of the body, giving it life, sensation, and rationality.
Sensory Experience as the Foundation of Knowledge: Human knowledge begins with the senses. We perceive particular instances through our bodily organs, and then our intellect abstracts universal concepts from these sensory experiences. This process is discursive and often laborious.
Free Will and Moral Growth: Man possesses free will, enabling him to choose between alternatives, to err, and to repent. This capacity for choice and the subsequent consequences is central to human moral development and the journey towards beatitude. Our will is not immutable; we can change our minds, learn from mistakes, and grow in virtue (or vice).
Spatial and Temporal Existence: Humans exist within space and time, experiencing change, growth, aging, and mortality. Our physical presence and interactions with the material world are integral to our being.

Key Distinctions: A Comparative Overview

To crystallize these differences, let us consider a comparative table highlighting the core distinctions between angel and man:

Feature	Angel	Man
Substance	Pure spiritual, immaterial	Composite of material body and immaterial soul
Knowledge	Intuitive, direct apprehension, infused	Discursive, abstractive, begins with sensory experience
Will	Immutable choice, once made, cannot change	Free will, capable of change, repentance, moral growth
Locomotion	Not spatial in the human sense; can "move" instantaneously by changing place of operation	Spatial and temporal; moves physically through space
Perception	Pure intellect, no senses	Relies on senses (sight, touch, etc.) to perceive
Perfection	Created in a state of initial perfection, but can fall from grace in a single act of will	Strives for perfection through reason, virtue, and grace
Relationship to Matter	No intrinsic relationship, can act upon it	Intricately bound to and dependent on matter

Philosophical and Theological Implications

The definition of these distinct beings carries profound implications for our understanding of the cosmos, morality, and human destiny.

The Great Chain of Being: This distinction places angel and man at different, yet interconnected, rungs on the metaphorical ladder of existence. Angels, being purely spiritual, are closer to God in the hierarchy, while humans bridge the gap between the material and the spiritual.
Understanding Human Dignity: By understanding what we are not (angels), we better grasp what we are. Our composite nature, our reliance on senses, our capacity for error and redemption, and our journey of learning and growth define our unique dignity and purpose.
The Role of Grace: In theology, the distinction highlights why grace operates differently for each. Angels were tested once, their wills fixed. Humans, however, require ongoing grace and mercy to navigate a world of choice and consequence.

Conclusion

The philosophical and theological exploration of the distinction between angel and man is not merely an academic exercise; it is a fundamental inquiry into the nature of being itself. By carefully defining the pure, intuitive intellect of the angel against the composite, discursive, and striving nature of man, we illuminate the unique beauty and challenge of human existence. This journey through the Great Books reminds us that understanding these profound differences is essential for a complete self-knowledge and a deeper appreciation of the intricate order of the universe.

(Image: A classical Renaissance painting depicting the Annunciation, with the Archangel Gabriel, radiant and ethereal, appearing before a humble, corporeal Virgin Mary. The contrast in their forms, luminosity, and posture subtly emphasizes their distinct natures.)

Video by: The School of Life

💡 Want different videos? Search YouTube for: ""Thomas Aquinas on Angels and Demons Philosophy""