Hormic Response

The automatic initial movement of the soul toward the good or away from the bad, prior to conscious assent.

The hormic response denotes the unconscious initial movement (orexis or ekklisis) that follows the mere impression of something, before the conscious hegemonikon renders judgment through synkatathesis. It is the natural stirring of the soul that drives toward life and away from harm — not yet morally qualified, but purely impulsive and vital. Praemeditatio malorum aims to moderate these automatic reactions through deliberate preparation.