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 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.
Apr 30, 2020 • 60min
Living a Life of Divine Worship | Fr. Michael O'Connor, O.P.
Fr. Michael O'Connor, O.P., discusses the importance of divine worship beyond sacramental communion, especially during challenging times. Topics include Aquinas' view on religion and justice, gratitude as worship, the significance of sacrifice, beauty in worship, communion in the Mass, and the efficacy of faith in the mystical body of Christ.
Apr 28, 2020 • 1h 8min
Aquinas on the Moral Development of Friendship | Prof. Craig Titus
Prof. Craig Titus delves into empathy's role in fostering connections, touching on friendship, love, and its transformative power in relationships. He explores secure attachment, Christian detachment, and altruism, discussing motivations and alignment with vocation. The impact of empathy on moral development, insights from Aristotle and Aquinas, and the role of trauma and distortions in influencing empathy are also discussed.
Apr 26, 2020 • 56min
Chance or Purpose? God's Providence and the Christian Worldview | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. discusses God's Providence and Christian worldview, exploring divine knowledge, will, and providence as well as the interplay between God's plan and human freedom. The episode highlights seeking understanding and trust during challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a contemplative mindset and unwavering faith.
Apr 23, 2020 • 35min
The Remedy for Confused Kenoticism: Aquinas as a Kenotic Theologian | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., an expert on Aquinas as a Kenotic Theologian, delves into Aquinas's interpretation of kenosis, contrasting it with contemporary Christology views. He highlights the significance of Aquinas's balanced Christological canonicalism in preserving the Son's divinity while assuming human nature.
Apr 22, 2020 • 56min
Is the Coronavirus a Punishment from God? | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., discusses whether the coronavirus is divine punishment, exploring sin, redemption, and Catholic beliefs. The podcast delves into death, sin's consequences, and the fairness of illness as punishment. It also examines suffering, hardships, and spiritual alignment with Christ, stressing the importance of prioritizing eternal destiny over temporary suffering.
Apr 21, 2020 • 49min
St Thomas Aquinas on Natural Law: The Contemporary Relevance of a Medieval Idea | Prof. Kenneth Kemp
Prof. Kenneth Kemp discusses St. Thomas Aquinas' natural law theory, exploring its impact on ethics, law, and government. The podcast delves into the significance of objective moral principles, the role of religion in moral reasoning, and the intersections between divine, eternal, and human law. It also addresses civil disobedience, judicial review, and the application of natural law in American courts.
