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
Jun 24, 2020 • 53min
Is Belief In The Trinity Irrational? | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., a Dominican priest, explores the rationality of belief in the Trinity according to Aquinas, delving into the relationship between faith and reason. The podcast discusses the intricate layers of the Trinity in Christian theology through various biblical texts and historical contexts, emphasizing the importance of spiritual contemplation. The boundaries and parameters of theological discussions on the Trinity are also examined, along with the analogy of the human mind to comprehend this complex concept.
Jun 22, 2020 • 1h 6min
The Rise of Modern Atheism: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction | Prof. Anna Moreland
Prof. Anna Moreland discusses the impact of religious ideas on society, the evolution of political theology in the West, the rise of modern atheism, the resurgence of Christianity in the global south, the intersection of religion and modernity, and the influence of Pontifical documents on interfaith encounters.
Jun 19, 2020 • 59min
Who Am I to Judge? Politics and the Problem of Moral Relativism | Prof. Francis Beckwith
Prof. Francis Beckwith discusses moral relativism and political disagreements, contrasting it with moral objectivism. They explore moral disagreement using examples like interpretations of legal clauses and differing views on abortion. The podcast delves into the concepts of moral objectivism and relativism, justifications for moral standards, and the influence of natural law on moral decision-making.
Jun 17, 2020 • 1h 3min
Friendship and the Common Good | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. discusses the importance of the common good in fostering friendship and human flourishing. Topics include the role of communication, personalism in social communities, the relationship between individual and collective well-being, and the challenges posed by totalitarian threats and liberal structures of government.
Jun 15, 2020 • 1h 10min
Aquinas as a Mystical Theologian | Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn, O.P.
Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn, O.P., discusses mystical theology, Aquinas's view on divine action and analogy, mystical union in Aquinas and Dionysus, theological significance of John the Baptist, and theological differences on being and unity.
Jun 10, 2020 • 1h
Did Jesus Christ See the Father? | Fr. Simon Gaine, O.P.
Fr. Simon Gaine, O.P., a Dominican friar, discusses the theological question of whether Jesus Christ saw the Father, exploring Christ's knowledge as a balance of human and divine, his faith, and knowledge in the Garden of Gethsemane. The podcast also delves into Jesus' learning abilities, the unity of the Trinity's divine mind, continuity of his humanity post-resurrection, and the beatific vision and knowledge of angels.
Jun 5, 2020 • 1h 4min
A Window into the Mind? Neuroimaging and Our Understanding of the Human Being | Pro. Sofia Reimao
Pro. Sofia Reimao discusses the impact of neuroimaging technologies like fMRI in diagnosing diseases, drug development, and neuroscience research. She explores the non-modular nature of the brain and the challenges in using fMRI. The chapter also highlights the importance of accurate interpretation and communication to improve public understanding of neuroimaging data.
Jun 4, 2020 • 1h 3min
The Inner Workings of Confession | Fr. Dominic Langevin, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Langevin, O.P. discusses the personal dynamics of sin and penance, emphasizing personal responsibility. He explores the social and spiritual dynamics of confession in Catholicism, highlighting the role of the priest in guiding reconciliation. The importance of physical presence in the sacrament of penance is emphasized, along with the transformative power of confession in leading a fulfilled life in God.
May 30, 2020 • 59min
Popular Neuroscience and Other Political Schemes | Prof. Jeffrey Bishop
Neuroscientist Prof. Jeffrey Bishop discusses the intersection of politics, science, and ethics, critiquing attempts to link genetics to anti-social behavior. He explores the ethical implications of using neuroscience to identify behavior-related genes, emphasizing the importance of understanding values in scientific exploration and the complex interplay of genetics, environment, habits, and community in shaping human behavior. The discussion also delves into the necessity of humility in science and acknowledging potential filters in truth perception.
May 28, 2020 • 1h 1min
Dante on Love's Ordeal And the Ascent of Purgatory | Fr. Albert Trudel, O.P.
Fr. Albert Trudel, O.P., a Dominican Priest specializing in Dante's works, discusses Dante's Divine Comedy, focusing on the trinitarian structure, journey through Hell and Purgatory, freedom, repentance, justice, punishment, virtues, and beatitudes. The episode explores Dante's ascent guided by divine figures, encounters with exemplary souls, and the importance of repentance, virtues, and active choices for salvation.
