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
May 26, 2020 • 60min
Freedom, Aquinas, and the Brain | Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., a Dominican friar, discusses the clash between limitless choice and scientific evidence, neuroscience experiments challenging free will, and the importance of free will in experiments. He explores the relationship between free will, rationality, decision-making, self-formation, and the impact of focus on individual choices, emphasizing the pursuit of the ultimate good as a key aspect of freedom.
May 21, 2020 • 59min
Our Lady's Sword: The Holy Rosary and the Battle for Salvation | Fr. John Langlois, O.P.
Fr. John Langlois, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses the significance of the Rosary and Mary's role in salvation. Topics include the evolution of Marian devotions, the power of the Rosary in spiritual warfare, and the introduction of plenary indulgences. The discussion also covers the importance of Mary's intercession, meditating on the mysteries, and verifying miracles through the Rosary.
May 19, 2020 • 55min
The Intellectual Life of the Mother of God | Prof. Zena Hitz
Prof. Zena Hitz discusses the depiction of Mary's intellectual pursuits, emphasizing her wisdom and readiness to receive the angel's message. They explore Mary's virtues, consent to the divine plan, and inward focus through prayer, drawing parallels to Einstein's breakthroughs. The discussion delves into characters prioritizing contemplation over social interactions and explores Mary's intellectual pursuits, solitude, humility, and grace.
May 16, 2020 • 1h 3min
Immaterial Beings: From Ghosts to Minds | Prof. Therese Cory
Prof. Therese Cory discusses immaterial beings from a Thomistic perspective, challenging common perceptions. She contrasts Aquinas' self-manifesting view with the 'spooky body view', highlighting the nature of immaterial beings and their influence in haunted spaces.
May 14, 2020 • 60min
Saved on a Turbulent Sea: St. Gregory of Nazianzus on Jesus Christ | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., expert on St. Gregory of Nazianzus, discusses Gregory's spiritual connection with Jesus Christ, emphasizing reliance, supplication, and faith. The podcast explores Gregory's personal writings, reflections on adversities, and the role of poetry in his theology. It also compares Gregory with Augustine, delves into his friendship with St. Basil, and examines his theological works on the Trinity and universal restoration.
May 12, 2020 • 1h 8min
The Wedding Feast of the Lamb: The Meaning of the Mass | Prof. Paul Gondreau
Prof. Paul Gondreau discusses the significance of the Mass as the ultimate form of worship, contrasting pagan practices with the self-offering and supreme love expressed in the Mass. The symbolism in the book of Revelation and the Mass is explored, emphasizing the real presence of Christ and the theme of love. Recommendations for understanding the Book of Revelation are provided, along with a discussion on the importance of liturgical music and the symbolism of the Eucharist and marriage in biblical imagery.
May 9, 2020 • 48min
Searching for Happiness: Pathfinding and Pitfalls | Prof. W. Scott Cleveland
Guest Prof. W. Scott Cleveland discusses Aristotle's philosophy on happiness, virtues, reason, and friendship. He explores gluttony, excessive eating, and drinking in social settings, highlighting the importance of moderation for emotional well-being and healthy relationships.
May 7, 2020 • 1h 1min
He Is Risen: God’s Mercy and the Resurrection Appearances of Jesus | Fr. Jordan Schmidt, O.P.
Fr. Jordan Schmidt, O.P., discusses God's mercy and the resurrection appearances of Jesus, exploring misconceptions of mercy, God's merciful love in the Old Testament, and how His mercy restores relationships. The podcast delves into the significance of Christ's resurrection appearances, the necessity of His resurrection for salvation, and the role of trust in Jesus for salvation.
May 5, 2020 • 59min
The Psychology of Happiness: Stoicism in the City of God | Prof. Sarah Byers
Prof. Sarah Byers discusses compassion, Stoicism, and Augustine's perspectives on emotions and justice. Topics include clemency in Stoicism, the role of moral virtues, comparisons between Stoicism and Epicureanism, and Seneca and Augustine's views on compassion and justice.
May 2, 2020 • 48min
Should We Legalize Physician-Assisted Suicide? | Prof. John Keown and Dr. Joseph Marine
Ethics professor Prof. John Keown and end-of-life care expert Dr. Joseph Marine discuss the debate on legalizing physician-assisted suicide, exploring various forms of euthanasia, ethical concerns, risks of abuse, and comparisons between Dutch and Oregon models. They also delve into the complexities of opinion polls, arguments against legalization, and the impact of physician-assisted suicide legislation on medical professionals and patients.
