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
Jul 17, 2020 • 1h 1min
Four Futures: The Catholic Church in America | Prof. Gladden Pappin
Prof. Gladden Pappin shares insights on potential political trajectories for the Catholic Church in America, exploring four future scenarios. He discusses the church as a perfect society, challenges in linear history, and factors influencing its future. The conversation delves into demographics, financials, beliefs, and practices, contrasting views on its role in American society, and potential challenges like denazification and abuse crises.
Jul 15, 2020 • 1h 2min
How Is God Our Father? | Fr. John Baptist Ku, O.P.
Fr. John Baptist Ku, O.P., a Dominican priest, delves into the concept of God as our Father, exploring scripture, the Trinity, adoption, and the balance between paternal and maternal imagery of God. The discussion also touches on gender pronouns for the Holy Spirit, the role of priests in reflecting God's fatherhood, and the complex emotions individuals have towards God as Father.
Jul 13, 2020 • 40min
An Unjust Law is No Law at All | Prof. Raymond Hain
Legal expert Prof. Raymond Hain discusses the debate on ACA contraceptive mandate. Topics include political authority, just laws, St. Thomas's concept of law, eternal law's role in evaluating human laws, and obeying unjust laws.
Jul 10, 2020 • 1h 6min
Aquinas on Mystical Union with God | Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn
Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn discusses the essence of contemplation, the evolution of mystical union with God, and the philosophical aspects of naming God. The exploration includes Moses's spiritual journey, Aquinas's theology of understanding, and the importance of purification for contemplative advancement.
Jul 8, 2020 • 60min
Born Broken? Aquinas On Original Sin | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. discusses Aquinas' viewpoint on original sin, exploring its effects on human nature, intellect, will, and passions. Topics include Jewish interpretations, St. Paul's writings, nature vs. grace, transmission of sin, evolution's relation to original sin, and Aquinas' perspectives on challenging scriptures and salvation.
4 snips
Jul 6, 2020 • 1h 4min
Does Nature Make Laws?: An Introduction to the Natural Law Tradition | Prof. Raymond Hain
Prof. Raymond Hain discusses natural law's role in Catholic teachings, influences on marriage laws, challenges in defining life, universal statements about living things, Aristotelian virtues, and societal norms in punishment.
Jul 3, 2020 • 1h 24min
Does God Exist? Defending the Divine Based on Reason | Prof. Alexander Pruss
In this insightful discussion, Alexander Pruss, a Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University with expertise in metaphysics and philosophy of religion, explores the intersection of reason and faith in understanding God's existence. He articulates compelling arguments for the necessity of a first cause to avoid infinite regress. Engaging thought experiments challenge listeners to rethink infinity's implications on causation and existence. The conversation also addresses the principle of sufficient reason and how it informs our understanding of randomness and morality.
Jul 1, 2020 • 57min
Angels and Demons | Fr. Basil Cole, O.P.
Fr. Basil Cole, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses angels and demons, exploring their spiritual nature, roles, and interactions. He highlights the influence of angels in protecting, guiding, and mediating towards God, contrasting them with demons who rebel against Him. The episode also touches on practical ways to guard against demonic influence and delves into the irrationality of demons, drawing parallels to C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters.
Jun 29, 2020 • 1h 17min
Moral Enhancement: Exemplars and Epistemic Trust | Prof. Stephen Napier
Prof. Stephen Napier discusses moral enhancement and epistemic trust, emphasizing reliance on authentic means and authority testimony. Topics include neurological processing of moral stimuli, narratives shaping moral faculties, cognitive cul-de-sacs, bioenhancement, epistemic trust in the Church, and the interplay of faith, tradition, and moral judgments.
Jun 26, 2020 • 1h 8min
Neuroscience and the Human Soul | Prof. Marie George
Prof. Marie George discusses the intersection of Thomistic philosophy and neuroscience, exploring intellect, free will, abstract thinking, and the immaterial nature of thoughts. The conversation challenges materialist assumptions and delves into the role of the soul in explaining awareness, emotions, and cognitive abilities in humans and animals.
