The Primary Precepts & Synderesis

Question 1

What is synderesis according to Aquinas?

Answer 1

Synderesis is the habit or ability of reason to discover foundational ‘first principles’ of God’s natural moral law.

Question 2

What is the synderesis rule?

Answer 2

The synderesis rule states that the good is what all things seek as their end or goal (telos), indicating that human nature has an innate orientation to the good.

Question 3

What is the principle of law according to Aquinas?

Answer 3

According to Aquinas, the principle of law is that good must be done and evil avoided.

Question 4

What are the primary precepts learned through synderesis?

Answer 4

Through synderesis, we learn primary precepts such as;

• worshiping God
• living in an orderly society
• reproducing, educating
• protecting and preserving human life
• defending the innocent.

These precepts articulate the orientations in our nature toward the good, reflecting the natural inclinations of our God-designed human nature put into ethical principles by human reason.

Question 5

How do beings intuitively know the primary precepts according to Aquinas?

Answer 5

Simply having reason allows a being to intuitively know the primary precepts. Aquinas suggests that we are all born with the ability to know them.