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
Jan 2, 2021 • 1h 2min
Thomas Aquinas and the Theology of the Body | Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P. discusses the theology of the body, contrasting Thomistic principles with modern views on duty. He explores the evolution of Christian morality towards self-gift in marriage and the church's stance on contraception. Delving into St. Thomas's views, he emphasizes the drive for perfection in love and the inseparable union of souls in matrimony.
Dec 31, 2020 • 44min
The Incarnate, Sacramental, and Redeeming Christ at Christmas | Fr. Albert Trudel, O.P.
Fr. Albert Trudel, O.P., a Dominican priest, delves into the theological significance of Christ's Incarnation and Redemption. He explores how physical manifestations in Catholic sacraments help us experience divine connection and discusses different ways individuals can receive messages from Christ. Reflecting on the mystery of Christ's enfleshment, he emphasizes the divine mystery of God becoming physically present in human form.
Dec 29, 2020 • 1h 7min
Arguments for God's Existence: Recent Work on Ancient Arguments | Prof. Robert Koons
Philosopher Robert Koons discusses arguments for God's existence, including empirical knowledge, causation, scientific reasoning, cosmological arguments, fine-tuning in the universe, and the impact of theism on scientific understanding. The conversation explores the Grim Reaper Paradox, anthropic coincidences in the laws of nature, quantum physics, and objections to cosmological fine-tuning and intelligent design arguments.
Dec 24, 2020 • 46min
Mary and the Victory Over Evil | Fr. John Corbett, O.P.
Fr. John Corbett, O.P., a Dominican priest, delves into Mary's victory over evil, discussing holiness, the Immaculate Conception, oneness with God, Mary's exceptional wholeness, the theology of death, overcoming evil through Mary's Fiat and Jesus' temptation
Dec 22, 2020 • 47min
What is Good Music? What Good is Music? | Prof. Michael Dickson
Prof. Michael Dickson, an expert in music theory and composition, explores the relationship between beauty and good music, challenges traditional views on contemporary music, delves into the great theory of beauty in Western philosophy, and discusses how musical practices define the integrity and beauty of pieces of music.
Dec 19, 2020 • 1h 13min
What the COVID Pandemic Teaches Us about the Honored but Humble Role of Medicine | Prof. Farr Curlin
Prof. Farr Curlin discusses the lessons from COVID-19, highlighting medicine's role in caring for vulnerable populations. The podcast explores trust in medical science, risks of COVID-19, ethical dilemmas for Catholic priests, and the importance of evidence-based reasoning amidst challenges.
Dec 17, 2020 • 42min
St. Joseph: The Savior of Our Savior | Fr. Basil Cole, O.P.
Fr. Basil Cole, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses the significant role of St. Joseph in shaping Jesus for his redemptive mission. They explore St. Joseph's protective and guiding role, his impact on the Holy Family and Christianity, as well as the evolving devotion to him over centuries. The podcast also delves into literature on St. Joseph, debates on his marriage with Mary, his unique vow of chastity, and his character revealed through personal experiences and prayers.
Dec 16, 2020 • 53min
Are Neuroscience and the Soul Compatible? | Prof. James Madden
Prof. James Madden discusses neuroscience and the soul, highlighting the Aristotelian concept of the soul's complexity beyond visual representation. He explores supervenience, the nature of thoughts, and the meaningful world as a collection of entities shaping our perception. The relationship between material objects and living beings is examined through hylomorphism, emphasizing their composite nature of form, matter, and soul.
Dec 12, 2020 • 1h 26min
The Challenge and Opportunity of Genome Editing | Dr. William Hurlbut
Dr. William Hurlbut, a genome editing expert, discusses the transformative potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in genetic modification, the use of CRISPR for treating genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia, the challenges in intervening in genetic conditions, the historical ties of medicine with eugenics, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding human genome editing, emphasizing the need for cautious approach and open discussions on the moral implications.
Dec 10, 2020 • 47min
Wisdom in the Face of Modernity: Is Faith Irrational? | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., theologian and member of the Dominican Order, discusses the rationality of faith in Christianity. He explores the distinctions between faith and irrational beliefs, the interplay of faith, reason, and belief, and the rationality of faith in Catholic beliefs. The discussion focuses on the Trinity, Eucharist, miracles, and the supernatural aspect of faith.
