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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

synderesis

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

In its last and highest form of activity the mind rests in the contemplation of the infinite goodness of God, which is apprehended by means of the highest faculty, the apex mentis or synderesis.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 2 "Bohemia" to "Borgia, Francis" by Various

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

Now all the habits by which conscience is formed, although many, nevertheless have their efficacy from one first habit, the habit of first principles, which is called "synderesis."

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