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
Sep 15, 2020 • 36min
Freedom in Friendship and Community | Prof. James Madden
Prof. James Madden discusses the relationship between freedom, responsibility, and knowledge, emphasizing the importance of ethical education. The podcast explores self-knowledge through social sciences, the role of friendship in achieving true freedom, and the balance between independence and dependence on others.
Sep 12, 2020 • 38min
True Freedom and Its Counterfeits | Prof. James Madden
Prof. James Madden discusses the complex relationship between freedom and its counterfeits, ethics of human actions, and the role of the will in decision-making. The podcast explores philosophical debates on free will, juxtaposed with neuroscientific findings on unconscious brain activity preceding conscious decisions. It also delves into Libet-style experiments in neuroscience, focusing on the significance of conscious decisions and ethical agency in actions driven by meaningful ends.
Sep 10, 2020 • 49min
The Image of God in Modernity | Fr. Ephrem Reese, O.P.
Fr. Ephrem Reese, O.P. discusses the concept of the Image of God in modern times. The podcast covers historical and philosophical perspectives on the image of God, contrasting ideas of St. Augustine with Nietzsche and Hobbes. It also explores the disappearance of angels in modernity, philosophical views on governance, and reflections on human nature as an image of God.
Sep 8, 2020 • 15min
Christian Theology and the Limits of Politics in Augustine | Prof. Bradley Lewis
Prof. Bradley Lewis discusses Augustine's political theories, blending classical and Christian principles. They explore Augustine's views on the relationship between politics and faith, emphasizing the importance of virtues and heavenly society. Augustine's beliefs on political peace and theology are highlighted, along with the contrast between earthly and heavenly cities in his teachings.
Sep 5, 2020 • 17min
Natural Theology, Civil Theology, and the Limits of Politics in Plato | Prof. Bradley Lewis
Prof. Bradley Lewis discusses Plato's political theories in 'The Republic' and 'The Laws', highlighting the role of natural theology and the limits of politics. The podcast delves into the intersection of faith, reason, and governance in Plato's philosophy, showcasing the contrast between different political communities and the essence of human flourishing.
Sep 3, 2020 • 47min
Ebbing, Flowing Sea: Trinitarian Mystical Theology of Jan Van Ruusbroec | Prof. Rik Van Nieuwenhove
Prof. Rik Van Nieuwenhove discusses Jan Van Ruusbroec's mystical theology, emphasizing the Trinity's dynamic understanding and spiritual growth stages. The talk explores Ruusbroec's influence on European spiritual figures, the concept of 'filioque,' and the impact of trinitarian mystical theology on modern devotion and art in the Low Countries.
Aug 29, 2020 • 53min
Are There Failed Persons? Are You One of Them? | Prof. John O'Callaghan
Prof. John O'Callaghan delves into the concept of failed human persons, discussing societal perceptions of personhood and medically assisted killing. He explores moral obligations towards those in vulnerability and the interconnection of personal success with compassion towards others. The podcast challenges misconceptions about failing as a person and emphasizes the importance of caring for those in need for personal fulfillment.
Aug 26, 2020 • 60min
Reading Bonaventure in a Time Of Crisis | Prof. Gregory LaNave
Prof. Gregory LaNave discusses the life and teachings of Bonaventure, emphasizing his response to crises and internal conflicts. They explore Bonaventure's philosophical stance on faith, reason, and knowledge, contrasting it with Aquinas. The episode highlights the importance of studying Bonaventure's works in understanding theological teachings amidst current challenges.
Aug 24, 2020 • 43min
Neuroscience and Freedom of the Will - Is There Really a Problem? | Prof. James Madden
Neuroscience and philosophy expert Prof. James Madden discusses the compatibility of free will with determinism and the impact of neuroscientific experiments on moral decision-making. The chapter also explores the dangers of distorted self-understanding, biases in decision-making, and the role of education in recognizing cognitive blind spots.
Aug 21, 2020 • 53min
Does God Create through Evolution? | Fr. Mariusz Tabaczek, O.P.
Fr. Mariusz Tabaczek, O.P., a Dominican priest, delves into the compatibility of theistic evolution with Thomistic views on creation. He explores the role of God in evolutionary processes, emphasizing divine-creature cooperation and distinguishing between primary and secondary causes. The discussion also highlights God's collaboration with creatures in evolution and intervention in infusing the initial human soul.
