yitayningwut: What logical reason could goyish philosophers have for supporting that consensus?
According to the Nefesh Hachaim (correct me if my interpretation is faulty), tzelem Elokim is defined thus: as Hashem’s name Elokim implies His omnipotent ability, as an “image of Elokim,” humans posses some special (though lesser) ability (i.e. koach habechirah)to affect the world with their actions. This ability is special because Hashem Himself promises not to abridge it.
Hmmm…this begs the question: what exactly is the difference between tzelem Elokim and chelek Elokai mima’al?
Anyway, I have yet to find an interpretation of hashgacha klallis that shtims with this Nefesh Hachaim.