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What makes human intelligence qualitatively different from animal intelligence? The Ramchal's yesod distinguishes between the animal soul (shared with all creatures) and the divine soul (unique to humans). When the divine soul properly directs the animal soul, it creates the capacity for spiritual awareness and influence that transcends natural intelligence.
This shiur examines Ramchal's foundational teaching about the dual nature of the human soul in Derech Hashem (ה׳) (Section 3, Chapter 1). The discussion begins with key Hebrew terms for soul: nefesh, ruach, neshamah, chayah, and yechidah, each representing different levels or aspects of the soul. Rabbi Zweig explores whether the soul should be understood as a spiritual material or as a form of awareness, emphasizing that regardless of its essential nature, the soul's primary function is to bring about awareness. The Ramchal distinguishes between two types of souls in man. The animal soul (nefesh) is shared with all living creatures and is responsible for natural feelings, intelligence, imagination, memory, and will. This ethereal entity is transmitted through genetic material at conception and varies among different species. While animals possess intelligence through their animal souls, human intelligence differs qualitatively from that of animals.
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Derech Hashem Section 3, Chapter 1
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