synderesis

American  

[sin-duh-ree-sis] / ˌsɪn dəˈri sɪs /

noun

1. innate knowledge of the basic principles of morality.

2. Christian Mysticism. the essence of the soul that unites with God.

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Etymology

Origin of synderesis

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin syndērēsis, syntērēsis < Greek syntḗrēsis a guarding, equivalent to syntērē-, variant stem of syntēreîn to guard closely ( syn- syn- + tēreîn to guard) + -sis -sis

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

synderesis

Whence "synderesis" is said to incite to good, and to murmur at evil, inasmuch as through first principles we proceed to discover, and judge of what we have discovered.

From Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Saint Thomas Aquinas

Wherefore we judge naturally both by our reason and by "synderesis."

From Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Saint Thomas Aquinas

Hence it follows that prudence is more excellent than the moral virtues, and moves them: yet synderesis moves prudence, just as the understanding of principles moves science.

From Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province by Saint Thomas Aquinas

Wherefore the first practical principles, bestowed on us by nature, do not belong to a special power, but to a special natural habit, which we call "synderesis."

From Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Saint Thomas Aquinas

But "synderesis" does not regard opposites, but inclines to good only.

From Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Saint Thomas Aquinas

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