

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

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.

Dec 8, 2020 • 48min
Saint Albert the Great and the Natural Sciences | Fr. Conor McDonough, O.P.
Fr. Conor McDonough, O.P., discusses Saint Albert the Great's integration of faith and science, challenging misconceptions about the Middle Ages. They explore his impact on the natural sciences, his method of combining Aristotle's theories with sensory experiences, and how his scientific discoveries shaped his theological beliefs. The podcast delves into the resurgence of Aristotelian philosophy in universities and the portrayal of Saint Albert in literature.

Dec 5, 2020 • 52min
Thought in Bliss: St. Thomas on Theological Contemplation | Prof. Frederick Bauerschmidt
Prof. Frederick Bauerschmidt discusses St. Thomas's view on contemplation as a path to eternal bliss, drawing on Aristotelian concepts and theological insights. They explore the essence of contemplation and theoria, the importance of contemplation in theology, and the significance of Christ's humanity in theological contemplation. The podcast also delves into symbols of birds and frogs in contemplation, contrasts between Aquinas and Descartes in the 17th century, and perspectives on inscape, contemplation, and God's essence.

Dec 3, 2020 • 47min
Prudence in Action | Fr. Dominic Verner, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Verner, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses the concept of prudence in decision-making. Topics include overcoming decision paralysis, the practical syllogism, aligning choices with personal values, seeking guidance through prayer, and reflecting on life's impermanence to prompt decision-making.

Dec 1, 2020 • 45min
Commanding Prudence | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, a Dominican priest, discusses the importance of prudence in decision-making and spiritual discernment. He explores the steps of prudence and provides examples highlighting its role in guiding actions towards achieving goals.

Nov 28, 2020 • 52min
The Virtues and Prudence | Sr. Anna Wray, O.P.
Sr. Anna Wray, O.P. specializes in virtues and prudence, discussing practical wisdom and the importance of aligning actions with ideals of union with God for achieving happiness and holiness.

Nov 26, 2020 • 32min
The Good and Our Propensity for It | Fr. Austin Litke, O.P.
Fr. Austin Litke, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses the concept of goodness in relation to freedom, truth, and virtue in the Christian life. He explores the limitations of modern society's idea of freedom, the human capacity for truth and goodness, and the importance of aligning personal desires with God's will in discerning one's vocation.

Nov 24, 2020 • 45min
The Common Good of the Universe | Prof. Thomas Osborne
Prof. Thomas Osborne delves into the theological and philosophical perspectives on the common good of the universe, discussing God's role, charity towards God, grace's transformative power, unity of order, and contrasting views of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas. He also explores how intellectual creatures, like humans, contribute to the common good through knowledge and love.

Nov 21, 2020 • 46min
The Order of Charity and Friendship | Prof. Erik Dempsey
Professor Erik Dempsey delves into the intricacies of friendship and charity in classical and Christian thought, comparing Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas' views. Topics include duty, self-love, and friendship with God.

Nov 20, 2020 • 35min
The Order of Charity and the Family | Prof. Erik Dempsey
Prof. Erik Dempsey discusses Thomas' views on charity, love of neighbor, family obligations, and the hierarchy of duties. Emphasizing love of God as paramount, he explores the intricacies of familial relationships and the alignment of duties with one's highest love for God.