The distinction between sin and psychopathology according to the definition of acedia by Thomas Aquinas.Possible relations with developments of contemporary psychology

Abstract

Thomas Aquinas’ work provides an integral approach of the phenomenon of acedia that allows to understand it at different levels. In fact, it may be seen from two different and complementary points of view, resulting in a “typology” of acedia: on the one hand, it is understood as a voluntary sinful act and on the other hand, as a pre-moral passionate movement that results from two sources: first, the very being of man as a fallen creature (in this case, one could speak of an ontological causality, as we lack a more accurate term) and second, from biopsychosocial determinisms. In any case, these are states that include possible psychopathological projections, although these are based on different causal explanations. These explanations reveal an anthropological concept that accurately distinguishes the psychic sensitive plane from the spiritual plane.

Key words:
Acedia; sin; sense appetite; existential emptiness