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
Oct 22, 2019 • 1h 4min
Fiction and Moral Reflection | Thomas Pavel
Guest Thomas Pavel discusses the value of fiction in understanding human motivations and moral reflections through examples from ancient literature and works like the Iliad. The podcast explores themes of transgression, Christian resonance, individualism, and societal norms in fictional narratives. It also delves into characters' choices, pursuit of happiness, and moral reflections in 19th-century novels, emphasizing the role of fiction in understanding moral principles and human experiences.
Oct 21, 2019 • 59min
Morality and Mortality in Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop | Sr. Ann Astell
Sr. Ann Astell discusses Willa Cather's 'Death Comes for the Archbishop', exploring themes of death, faith, and morality in the novel. She delves into character analysis, vices, brotherhood, social formation, hagiographic themes, and the influence of visual art in literature.
Oct 19, 2019 • 44min
Does Science Discredit Faith? | Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
Fr. Gregory Pine, OP discusses the nuanced relationship between science and faith, arguing for their harmonious coexistence. The podcast explores topics such as material vs. abstract in philosophy and science, obediential potency, and the rationality of faith. It also delves into the compatibility of faith and science, methodological accuracy, and the interplay between faith, reason, and happiness studies.
Oct 18, 2019 • 1h 7min
Imagination And Discernment In Jane Austen's Persuasion | Lauren Kopajitic
Expert on Jane Austen's 'Persuasion', Lauren Kopajitic, discusses moral imagination and discernment in the novel. Topics include character analysis, narrative techniques, themes of faithfulness and tragedy, highlighting Anne Elliot's and Captain Wentworth's moral growth and understanding of human nature.
Oct 17, 2019 • 42min
The Anti-Moral Imagination Of Michel Houellebecq | Dhananjay Jagannathan
Dhananjay Jagannathan discusses the ethical perspectives in novels, the significance of character interpretation in literary works, and the balance between truth-seeking and moral imagination. The podcast explores the value of narrative literature, focusing on 'Submission' by Michel Houellebecq and themes of politics, religion, and societal transformation. It also analyzes themes of pessimism and human nature in relation to the protagonist's reactions in critical scenes.
Oct 16, 2019 • 34min
Walker Percy's The Moviegoer Seen Again | Paul Elie
Literary scholar and author Paul Elie discusses Walker Percy's novel 'The Moviegoer', exploring its departure from Southern literary norms, Percy's transition from doctor to writer, the theme of mystery in his works, and the enigmatic qualities of the novel that set it apart.
Oct 15, 2019 • 51min
Humility and Proper Pride | Captain Joseph McInerney
Captain Joseph McInerney discusses humility and proper pride in leadership, comparing historical views from St. Thomas to Gandhi. The podcast explores the relationship between humility, pride, and effective leadership, emphasizing the role of genuine care and magnanimity. It also delves into Jesus' unconventional leadership qualities, the importance of self-sacrificial love in motivating followers, and the debate on whether leadership qualities are inherent or can be developed through practice.
Oct 11, 2019 • 40min
The Moral Grammar of the Human Person as a Body-Soul Unity | Prof. Paul Gondreau
Guest Prof. Paul Gondreau delves into Catholic moral teachings on human sexuality, contrasting body-soul unity with materialist and dualist views. He critiques materialism, discusses the unity of body and soul, and explores the moral implications of viewing humans as a body-soul unity versus soul alone.
Oct 10, 2019 • 50min
John Paul II on Catholic Family Life | Prof. Catherine Pakaluk
Prof. Catherine Pakaluk discusses Pope John Paul II's views on family life, socialism, and communism. They delve into his experiences under totalitarian regimes, his passion for engaging with youth and his profound views on pilgrimage. The conversation also explores the influence of Pope Leo and Pope John Paul II on society, their teachings on integrating religious values to combat societal challenges, and the historical connection between faith, patriotism, and nature through John Paul II's actions.
Oct 9, 2019 • 37min
Does God Exist? | Prof. Christopher Kaczor
Prof. Christopher Kaczor explores the Kalam cosmological argument and the beginning of the universe. He discusses concepts of infinity, the cause of the universe, and God as the ultimate creator. The podcast delves into arguments for and against God's existence, touching on the problem of evil and the impact of believing in life after death.
