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 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.
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.
