Thomas Pfau
Alice Mary Baldwin Professor of English at Duke University, with a secondary appointment in the Divinity School. He specializes in literary, philosophical, and theological subjects from the 18th through the early 20th century.
Top 5 podcasts with Thomas Pfau
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Aug 12, 2025 • 56min
Brothers Karamazov: Manicheanism, Christian Existentialism and other Paradoxes I Prof. Thomas Pfau
In this engaging discussion, Thomas Pfau, Alice Mary Baldwin Professor of English at Duke University, dives into Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. He contrasts the worldviews of Ivan and Alyosha, exploring themes of freedom, suffering, and divine love. Pfau sheds light on the provocative “Rebellion” and “Grand Inquisitor” chapters, linking their insights to contemporary issues of faith and authority. His analysis reveals the existential struggles within the narrative, offering listeners a thought-provoking lens on morality and belief.
Dec 6, 2018 • 1h 8min
"Out of this Stony Rubbish" Devastation and Rebirth in Eliot's "The Waste Land" | Thomas Pfau
Literature professor Thomas Pfau discusses T.S. Eliot's journey to faith, atheism commentary, and themes of desolation in 'The Waste Land'. The podcast explores nature depiction in Eliot's poetry, darkness, and hope in his works, as well as self-recognition and human sexuality themes influenced by Dante.
Oct 18, 2018 • 57min
Contemplation As Freedom According to Cusa And Hopkins | Thomas Pfau
Thomas Pfau, an expert on the philosophy of Cusa and Hopkins, explores the concept of freedom in modern anthropology, delving into the transcendent dimension of human freedom. He discusses contemplation as a path to liberation from selfhood and desire, the transformative impact of mystical contemplation through iconic gaze, and the symbolism of a poem representing theological themes. Pfau also analyzes the relationship between visible images and the divine, emphasizing contemplative freedom and ethical responsibility.
May 12, 2016 • 1h 39min
The Human Person Today | Prof. Thomas Pfau
Prof. Thomas Pfau discusses love, human agency in T.S. Eliot's work, Descartes' minimalist view of human flourishing, human sexuality, Aquinas' philosophy, character actions in poetry, personhood in relation to technology, historical views of the human person, and character development in academia.
May 12, 2016 • 1h 39min
The Human Person Today | Prof. Thomas Pfau
Prof. Thomas Pfau discusses love, human agency in T.S. Eliot's work, Descartes' minimalist view of human flourishing, human sexuality, Aquinas' philosophy, character actions in poetry, personhood in relation to technology, historical views of the human person, and character development in academia.
