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
Oct 22, 2020 • 58min
God in St. Augustine's Confessions | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P. discusses St. Augustine's Confessions as theological works centered on God's attributes and the journey towards understanding Him. Topics include Augustine's reflections on Christ, original sin, humility, and the influence of his writings on the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Oct 17, 2020 • 29min
Common Mistakes about God and Suffering | Prof. Robert Koons
Philosophy professor Prof. Robert Koons discusses common misconceptions about God and suffering, emphasizing God's value of individual beings over global happiness. He explores the reasons behind imperfection in creation, the infinite nature of God, the role of prayer, and the partnership between humans and God in combating suffering. The podcast also delves into suffering as a means of cooperating with God, demonstrating love, and addressing the problem of evil to understand the relationship between God's love, human suffering, and redemption.
Oct 15, 2020 • 18min
Love, Friendship, and Heavenly Happiness | Prof. Christopher Kaczor
Philosophy and ethics expert Prof. Christopher Kaczor discusses the transformative power of parenthood, emphasizing virtues and personal growth. Delving into the importance of humility, following commandments, and wholehearted love for God in achieving heavenly happiness, while also stressing the significance of aiding those in need for spiritual development.
Oct 15, 2020 • 58min
Hillbilly Thomism Flannery O'Connor's Vision Of Grace | Prof. Jennifer Frey
Prof. Jennifer Frey discusses Flannery O'Connor's vision of grace in her fiction. They explore O'Connor's life, her struggles, and the themes of human perfection, supernatural beatitude, and grace in her works. The discussion also touches on the complementary nature of philosophy and literature in deepening our understanding of complex concepts like love and wisdom.
Oct 10, 2020 • 1h 15min
Is the Human Person Naturally Religious? Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., an expert in theology, discusses whether the human person is naturally religious. Topics include human sacrifice in ancient civilizations, Kant's theoretical agnosticism towards God, and Freud, Nietzsche, and Marx's views on religion. The podcast also explores Aquinas' perspective on the virtue of religion, natural theology, corrupted religious urges in modern culture, and the shift towards a more secular worldview.
Oct 8, 2020 • 58min
St. Thomas Aquinas Our Common Doctor For Theology Today | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., discusses the significance of St. Thomas Aquinas in theology today, exploring his titles, influence in the Catholic Church, relevance in modern theology, and teachings on God's relationship with time and the integration of faith and reason. He also touches on St. Albert the Great's impact on Aquinas in the field of natural sciences.
Oct 6, 2020 • 39min
Is there a Distinction Between Faith and Reason? | Prof. Robert Koons
Prof. Robert Koons discusses the distinction between faith and reason, emphasizing how faith in God's wisdom is essential for cognitive reasoning. He explores the interconnectedness of faith and reason, highlighting the role of faith in accepting divine truths beyond reason. The chapter also delves into how faith acts as a bridge between rationality and spiritual belief, providing a foundation for belief beyond scientific understanding.
12 snips
Oct 3, 2020 • 51min
Friendship and Happiness: Insights from Aristotle and Aquinas | Prof. Jennifer Frey
Philosophy professor Prof. Jennifer Frey delves into Aristotle and Aquinas' views on friendship and happiness. They discuss the importance of virtues, practical wisdom, and the role of community in achieving true flourishing. They explore how friendships can lead to self-transcendence, contrasting Aristotle's three types of friendships with Aquinas' perspective on friendship with God as charity.
Oct 1, 2020 • 49min
Discerning a Vocation to Be a Catholic Intellectual | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., discusses discerning a vocation to priesthood, religious life, or as a Catholic intellectual. Highlights include the importance of mature desires influenced by grace, merit and growth in charity, and practical considerations in vocational discernment such as seeking guidance from mentors.
Sep 29, 2020 • 39min
Happiness of the Catholic Intellectual: Balance, Focus, and Priorities | Prof. Christopher Kaczor
Prof. Christopher Kaczor, a Catholic philosophy and ethics expert, discusses balancing intellectual pursuits and personal life, engaging with opposing philosophical views, achieving balance between professional academic and public intellectual roles, and navigating free will and balance in life.
