Abstract
This chapter considers three very different views concerning the metaphysical structure of angels and their distinction from divine simplicity. These positions could hardly be more diverse. For Bonaventure, in order to protect the uniqueness of divine simplicity it is imperative to hold that angels, like all other created beings, are composed of matter and form as diverse natures. For Thomas Aquinas, purely spiritual beings cannot be composed of matter and form but must be composed of two really distinct principles essence and esse which are related to one another as potency and act. For Godfrey, in agreement with Aquinas and against Bonaventure on this point, there can be no genuine matter in pure spirits; but unlike Aquinas and unlike Bonaventure, Godfrey holds that there is no need to posit two really distinct principles of being or two distinct natures in angels in order to avoid making them as simple as God himself.Keywords:angels; Bonaventure; Godfrey of Fontaines; metaphysical structure; Thomas Aquinas
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