The Thomistic Institute

Prof. Zena Hitz discusses the importance of leisure for human fulfillment using Augustine's contemplation, contrasting portrayals in French comedy and German romance films, exploring Mary's virtues and the role of study in leisure, and highlighting the essence of leisure in revealing humanity's true dignity and essence.

Prof. Joshua Hochschild dives into St. John Henry Newman's critique of liberalism and knowledge, exploring its impact on human understanding of truth. They discuss liberalism's providential purpose in politics, the complexity of human knowledge and faith, and the impact of liberalism and Vatican II on the church's evolution.

Zena Hitz, an expert on leisure, discusses the essence of genuine leisure for human fulfillment, contrasting distractions. She explores contemplative leisure in films, traditional leisure through reading, and the necessity of embracing leisure for personal growth and societal value.

Prof. Eleonore Stump discusses the impact of the Holy Spirit on virtues and moral transformation. Topics include courage as a gift, virtues like love and patience, faithfulness, modesty, and the importance of maintaining a moral compass. The podcast also explores letting go of self-centered desires, embracing God's grace, and various forms of baptism.

Prof. Bronwen McShea discusses the Jesuit mission in New France, highlighting their multifaceted roles including trade, military partnerships, and shaping Native American communities. The chapter also explores the dynamic relationships between Jesuits and indigenous peoples, emphasizing the significant contributions of Native American women and French settlers. The podcast concludes with a recount of a visit to a castle in France and a discussion on Jesuits' perspectives on faith, friendship, and imperialism in New France.

Prof. Joshua Hochschild discusses Wendell Berry's political philosophy and Catholic social teachings. They explore themes in 'That Hideous Strength', Catholic social teaching responses to modernity, heavenly hierarchy in Christianity, challenges in university education, and fighting oil and gas interests. Emphasis on defending community, waste reduction, and balancing conflicting interests in modern institutions.

Prof. Paige Hochschild discusses the rise of 'spiritual but not religious' identity, its relationship with ancient philosophy, complexities of spirituality, rejection of organized religion, views on happiness and true mediation in religion, and the importance of communal worship in spiritual progress.

This lecture was given at the University of Kansas on 30 September 2019.Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. serves presently as the Assistant Director for Campus Outreach with the Thomistic Institute in Washington, DC. He served previously as an associate pastor at St. Louis Bertrand Church in Louisville, KY where he also taught as an adjunct professor at Bellarmine University. Born and raised near Philadelphia, PA, he attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville, studying mathematics and humanities. Upon graduating, he entered the Order of Preachers in 2010. He was ordained a priest in 2016 and holds an STL from the Dominican House of Studies.For more information on this and other events go to thomisticinstitute.org/events-1

Philosophy professor Prof. Alexander Pruss delves into Aristotle's concept of happiness, exploring pleasure, moral goodness, friendship, and love. He discusses a thought experiment involving a machine for desired life experiences, prompting reflections on true fulfillment. The podcast also examines factors influencing happiness like achievement, reputation, and the role of death. Additionally, it touches on acquiring infinite knowledge through transformative relationships and the pursuit of eternal growth for true happiness.

Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, explores Aquinas' Trinitarian pattern in natural inclinations, natural law, and divine grace, highlighting the movement towards God in nature. The differentiation between rational and irrational creatures in returning to God is discussed, along with the interplay between natural law, grace, and the dynamic return to God through charity.