The Thomistic Institute
The Thomistic Institute
The Thomistic Institute exists to promote Catholic truth in our contemporary world by strengthening the intellectual formation of Christians at universities, in the Church, and in the wider public square. The thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Universal Doctor of the Church, is our touchstone.
The Thomistic Institute Podcast features the lectures and talks from our conferences, campus chapters events, intellectual retreats, livestream events, and much more.
Founded in 2009, the Thomistic Institute is part of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC.
The Thomistic Institute Podcast features the lectures and talks from our conferences, campus chapters events, intellectual retreats, livestream events, and much more.
Founded in 2009, the Thomistic Institute is part of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 21, 2025 • 38min
Mariology 101: Part 1 – Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr. James Dominic Brent, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and chaplain at the Dominican House of Studies, dives into Mariology by exploring Mary's titles and her key role as Mother of God. He discusses how understanding these titles enhances our devotion to her. From tracing the origins of the Immaculate Conception to the significance of Mary's perpetual virginity, Brent unpacks pivotal attributes and how they connect to Mary's mission in salvation history. His analysis culminates in the assertion that Mary's motherhood uniquely defines her diverse roles.
Nov 20, 2025 • 41min
Finding Meaning Amidst the Chaos Or: Why Get Out of Bed in the Morning? – Dr. Robert McNamara
Dr. Robert McNamara, a philosophy lecturer and specialist in medieval and phenomenological thought, dives into the chaos of contemporary life. He discusses how nihilism and absurdism poison our cultural air and lead to meaninglessness. By emphasizing wonder, attention, and virtue, he offers a path to finding purpose amidst chaos. McNamara draws on Viktor Frankl’s insights about finding dignity in suffering and argues that personal meaning is linked to our unique destinies. He also provides practical tips for cultivating wonder through friendship, nature, and the arts.
Nov 19, 2025 • 37min
A Feeble Plant in the Breeze: Personal and Social Forms of Acedia – Prof. Carl Vennerstrom
Prof. Carl Vennerstrom, a specialist in eastern patristic theology and monasticism, dives deep into the concept of acedia—often known as spiritual sloth. He discusses the existential nausea depicted in Sartre's work and contrasts it with insights from early Christian monastics in Egypt. Vennerstrom explores how Evagrius of Pontus described the eight principal demons that undermine virtue, the noonday demon's tactics, and how modern technology exacerbates feelings of acedia. He links this rampant modern vice to societal conditions, urging for a deeper understanding and remedy.
Nov 18, 2025 • 45min
Your Eucharistic Identity – Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine explores the depth of our Eucharistic identity, emphasizing the importance of sacraments as visible signs of invisible grace. He discusses how defining ourselves against others leads to a distorted self-image, and elucidates Catholic teachings on justification and the transformative power of the Eucharist. Pine highlights how the Mass re-presents Christ's sacrifice, ignites charity, and fosters a sense of belonging within the mystical body of Christ. He underscores that our graces are intentional and meant to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
Nov 17, 2025 • 38min
Aquinas and Newman on the Pursuit of Wisdom and Happiness – Prof. Jennifer Frey
In this insightful discussion, Professor Jennifer A. Frey, a leading philosopher from the University of Tulsa, delves into the pursuit of wisdom through the lenses of Thomas Aquinas and John Henry Newman. She critiques the modern university's focus on specialization, likening it to a 'knowledge-production machine' that neglects the humanities. Frey champions Newman's vision of a liberal education, which fosters universal knowledge and promotes human flourishing. She argues that wisdom should guide all disciplines, encouraging students to engage in philosophical inquiry for a meaningful life.
12 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 48min
Minimum Wage vs. Just Wage: A Thomistic Clarification of Catholic Social Teaching – Dr. Michael Krom
Dr. Michael Krom, a Professor specializing in Thomistic thought, discusses the nuances of just wages within Catholic social teaching. He highlights the distinction between moral and political claims concerning wages and explores Scripture's take on labor compensation. Krom delves into the historical context of wage debates and how Aquinas's teachings can illuminate modern discussions on sufficiency and justice. He also emphasizes the importance of subsidiarity in addressing wage issues, advocating for local solutions over government intervention.
Nov 13, 2025 • 43min
Would St. Thomas Baptize and Extraterrestrial? – Dr. Edmund Lazzari
Dr. Edmund Lazzari, a Teaching Fellow at Duquesne University, dives deep into the intriguing intersection of Thomistic theology and extraterrestrial life. He explores whether St. Thomas Aquinas would consider baptizing an intelligent non-human species and discusses the implications of astrobiology on Catholic teaching. Lazzari explains the nature of intelligence, the immortality of the soul, and whether non-humans require salvation. He argues that Aquinas's framework expertly addresses questions about the spiritual independence of other species in light of the human fall.
Nov 12, 2025 • 54min
George Lemaitre: The Catholic Priest Who Proposed the Big Bang Theory – Prof. Jonathan Lunine
In this enlightening discussion, Prof. Jonathan Lunine, Chief Scientist at NASA’s JPL and Professor at Caltech, delves into the remarkable life of Georges Lemaître, the Catholic priest who proposed the Big Bang theory. He explores how Lemaître's faith and science intertwined, challenging misconceptions about their conflict. Lunine uncovers Lemaître’s groundbreaking ideas on cosmic expansion and the implications of the primeval atom. He also emphasizes Lemaître’s belief in two paths to truth, advocating for the harmony between science and religion.
Nov 11, 2025 • 48min
Does AI Have a Soul? – Dr. Edmund Lazzari
Dr. Edmund Lazzari, a Teaching Fellow at Duquesne University and expert in Thomistic philosophy and AI, explores whether artificial intelligence can possess a soul. He argues that current neural-network chatbots lack the necessary abstraction and intentionality attributed to immaterial intellect. Discussing claims about Google's LaMDA, he critiques the notion of AI understanding language versus mere statistical manipulation. Lazzari weaves in Aquinas’s philosophy, asserting that true intellect requires more than syntactical predication, leaving AI short of that mark.
15 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
Neuroscience and the Soul – Dr. William Hurlbut
Dr. William B. Hurlbut, a physician and adjunct professor at Stanford, dives into the intersection of neuroscience, bioethics, and the concept of the soul. He argues for the unique role of the human soul beyond mere information processing, stressing the importance of rationality and moral self-awareness. Hurlbut challenges transhumanist claims, underlining the significance of tacit knowledge and embodied experiences. He emphasizes that suffering can lend meaning to life and explores how parenthood shapes human identity, ultimately advocating for humility in the face of biotechnological advancements.
