The Thomistic Institute cover image

The Thomistic Institute

Latest episodes

undefined
Feb 13, 2025 • 28min

The Art of Dating | Prof. Michael Foley

Michael Foley, a Catholic theologian and Professor of Patristics at Baylor University, delves into the art of dating. He discusses the evolution of dating norms post-sexual revolution, highlighting the confusion it has brought to modern relationships. Foley offers practical advice on navigating the complexities introduced by social media, emphasizing authentic connections. He redefines breakups as learning experiences and stresses the importance of honor in relationships, framing them as valuable journeys of discernment.
undefined
Feb 12, 2025 • 40min

Marriage as Natural Community | Prof. Joshua Hochschild

Joshua Hochschild, a Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University, delves into marriage as a natural community and the philosophical foundations of human interactions. He contrasts Aristotle's views on natural versus artificial communities with modern social contract theory. Hochschild discusses how technology impacts relationships, highlighting the risk of detachment in communication. He draws parallels between Aristotle's insights on community, politics, and the essential virtues for meaningful relationships, emphasizing a moral order in our social fabric.
undefined
Feb 11, 2025 • 38min

Affairs of the Heart: The Ethical Significance of Anger | Prof. Jennifer Herdt

In this discussion, Jennifer Herdt, a Yale University ethicist specializing in virtue ethics, explores the intricacies of anger as an emotion intertwined with ethical responsibility. She contrasts human emotionality with AI's computational logic, shedding light on the vital role of anger in justice and relationships. Herdt delves into philosophical distinctions between anger and resentment, while advocating for a harmonious blend of passions and reason. She emphasizes how cultivating virtue can channel anger positively, urging listeners to appreciate its significance in moral dynamics.
undefined
Feb 10, 2025 • 58min

An Historical Overview: The Growth of Marriage as Avenue of Holiness | Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P.

Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P. is the President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception and a moral theology expert. He discusses marriage's evolution as a spiritual partnership, highlighting its transformation from a societal norm to a universal call to holiness. Petri examines the historical teachings on marriage and contraception, particularly in light of Pope Paul VI's Humanae Vitae, and addresses the tensions between traditional doctrines and modern perspectives. He also delves into the complexities of dissent within the Church and the theological developments of the 20th century.
undefined
Feb 7, 2025 • 45min

Cosmological Apologetics: For and Against Creation | Prof. William E. Carroll

In this enlightening discussion, William E. Carroll, a retired professor of philosophy and history of science from the Aquinas Institute, dives into the intricate relationship between cosmology and the concept of creation. He examines how modern theories like the Big Bang imply a creator while addressing the challenges posed by notions of an eternal universe. Carroll revisits medieval Aristotelian ideas, shedding light on philosophical perspectives on creation and causality. His insights bridge the historical and contemporary, merging science with deep theological questions.
undefined
Feb 6, 2025 • 47min

How the Sacraments Can Change Your Life w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Fr. Dominic Langevin, O.P.

Fr. Dominic Langevin, O.P., a theologian and expert in sacramental theology, explores the profound impact of sacraments on our lives with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. They discuss how sacraments enhance human flourishing and connect us to divine grace, emphasizing their role in personal and communal spiritual growth. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, and the importance of embracing our physical existence in conjunction with our spiritual life. Their insights encourage a deeper engagement with these sacred rituals.
undefined
Feb 5, 2025 • 51min

Aquinas's Shortest Way to God’s Existence, and How Darwinism Fits Within It | Fr. Stephen Brock

Fr. Stephen Brock, a priest and professor of Medieval Philosophy at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, delves into Aquinas's argument for God's existence. He discusses how nature's goal-directed behavior suggests an underlying intelligence, despite lacking cognition. Brock highlights the tension between classical philosophy and Darwinism, proposing that both can coexist in understanding life's complexities. He uses the analogy of an archer and arrow to illustrate divine influence in nature, revealing a harmonious interplay between intellect and evolution.
undefined
7 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 60min

Is Atheism Rational? | Prof. John O'Callaghan

John O'Callaghan, Director Emeritus of the Jacques Maritain Center at Notre Dame and a member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, shares his insights on atheism. He examines the philosophical roots of atheism, contrasting it with divine revelation. O'Callaghan delves into Aquinas's view that without divine insight, God’s existence isn’t easily grasped by reason alone. He highlights the historical evolution of atheism and emphasizes the need for compassion from believers to bridge divides, fostering respectful dialogue between belief systems.
undefined
Feb 3, 2025 • 44min

More than Spiritual: Proofs for the Existence of God | Prof. Joshua Hochschild

In this discussion, Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosophy expert from Mount St. Mary’s University, dives deep into the existence of God. He contrasts Thomas Aquinas’s empirical reasoning with modern skepticism, tackling challenges posed by philosophers like David Hume. Hochschild unpacks Aquinas's five arguments for God's existence, emphasizing their philosophical significance and relevance today. He explores the concept of the unmoved mover, shedding light on the critical role of first causes in understanding change and existence.
undefined
4 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 44min

Divine Causality and Human Freedom | Prof. W. Matthews Grant

W. Matthews Grant, a prominent philosopher and expert on Aquinas, dives deep into the intricacies of divine causality and human freedom. He discusses how God's role as the ultimate source of existence aligns with human autonomy, referencing insights from thinkers like Alvin Plantinga. Grant challenges conventional views, proposing a 'both-and' framework to reconcile God's influence and moral responsibility. His engaging exploration highlights the complexity of divine agency, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between faith and free will.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode