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
Dec 31, 2019 • 45min
Neuroscience and Free Will | Dr. Daniel De Haan
Neuroscientist Dr. Daniel De Haan discusses the debate on free will and neuroscience, examining critiques of traditional concepts and Benjamin Libet's experiments. The podcast explores the interplay between neuroscience, voluntary actions, and brain decision-making processes.
Dec 29, 2019 • 47min
Sacramental Architecture as Offering and Presence | Prof. Philip Bess
Prof. Philip Bess, an expert in sacramental architecture, discusses the essence of sacred architecture as a response to the divine. Topics include Notre Dame de Paris, iconography, biblical figures, theology of light, connections to Neoplatonist traditions, and the shift in building cultures from pre-modern to postmodern. Bess explores radical architectural designs for church restoration, emphasizing the importance of continuity, tradition, and sacred architecture in conveying worship.
Dec 26, 2019 • 50min
The Anagogical Intentions of the Medieval Cathedral Builders | Dr. Steven Schloeder
Dr. Steven Schloeder discusses the spiritual essence of medieval cathedrals, the anagogy in Catholicism, and the influence of Dionysius Theology. He explores the celestial glory and anagogical intentions of early Gothic builders like Abbot Sugarius.
Dec 23, 2019 • 55min
The Interior Cathedral and the Cathedral Interior | Dr. Margaret Hughes
Dr. Margaret Hughes, an expert in interior design and architecture, discusses the parallel between human interior and church architecture. They explore the significance of understanding human nature, beauty in church spaces, and the purpose of church design in focusing on God. The conversation delves into reason, rationality, the complexities of perceiving God, and the impact of aesthetics on architectural evolution.
Dec 20, 2019 • 57min
The Soul of Freedom: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Perspectives | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., an expert in freedom perspectives, discusses traditional vs. modern views on liberty, human nature goods, virtue, and divine providence. Touches on multiple soulmates, free will, and the pursuit of excellence
Dec 18, 2019 • 59min
What Are We? Human Persons After Neuroscience | Dr. Daniel De Haan
Dr. Daniel De Haan discusses the intersection of neuroscience and philosophy regarding human nature, free will, and moral responsibility. He explores the potential of using machine learning and fMRI to decode brain activity patterns. Challenges in designing experiments to study free will are also addressed.
Dec 17, 2019 • 57min
The Advent of Christ in Mystery | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, an expert in theology and spirituality, discusses the deepening reflection of the Church on the coming of the Lord, exploring the presence of Christ in believers and sacraments. The podcast delves into the writings of Saint Ambrose and Saint Leo on Christ's sacramental presence, as well as the transition to sacramental presence from Christ's physical presence on earth. It also highlights the importance of being attentive to Christ's daily presence through grace and mystery.
Dec 16, 2019 • 59min
The Advent of Christ In the Flesh and Glory | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses the importance of Advent as the first liturgical season, emphasizing Christ's advent in flesh and glory. Topics include the significance of the second coming of Jesus, the depth of Advent, the concept of Incarnation, and the joy and purpose of Christ's coming.
Dec 13, 2019 • 1h 16min
Humans and Other Animals - Are We Rational Enough to Know the Difference? | Dr. Daniel De Haan
Dr. Daniel De Haan discusses the challenges in distinguishing human and animal behaviors, exploring theory of mind, affordances in psychology, thin vs. thick descriptions, and the debates between common sense and folk psychology.
Dec 10, 2019 • 36min
Through a Glass Darkly - How Certain is Faith? | Prof. Matthew Ramage
Prof. Matthew Ramage discusses faith through the lens of Thomas Aquinas and Pope Benedict XVI, exploring doubt, trust, and the experiential nature of belief. He highlights the role of faith in personal experiences, including marriage and suffering, and emphasizes the value of embracing suffering and finding inspiration in ordinary saints.
