The Thomistic Institute

Michael Krom, a professor at Saint Vincent College and expert in Aquinas’s philosophical theology, delves into the moral life and its complexities. He explores how everyone seeks the good, analyzing moral relativism in practical living. Krom highlights the interplay between love, law, and virtue, urging self-reflection to navigate moral actions. He emphasizes the connection between beauty, truth, and love, advocating for humility in the pursuit of objective truth. Lastly, he discusses the balance of education, spirituality, and community for true happiness.

In this enlightening discussion, Matthew J. Thomas, an expert in Biblical Studies, delves into the profound theological contributions of St. Justin Martyr. He explores how Justin harmonized faith with reason, emphasizing the unity between philosophy and theology. The conversation highlights Justin's views on the transformative power of early Christian sacraments like baptism and the Eucharist. Additionally, Thomas discusses how Justin's teachings fostered community and optimism among believers, showcasing the enduring relevance of his thought in today's world.

William E. Carroll, a recently retired professor from the Aquinas Institute of Blackfriars at Oxford, dives into the profound relationship between creation, cosmology, and theology. He tackles how misconceptions about beginnings can lead to errors in various fields. Carroll argues that modern cosmological theories do not negate the need for a creator and clarifies the philosophical distinctions of existence and creation. He emphasizes Aquinas’s insights on creation ex nihilo and the ongoing dependency of beings on God, while urging caution against conflating science with theology.

Christopher Baglow, a Professor of Theology and Director of the Science and Religion Initiative at Notre Dame, discusses the historical conflict between science and Christianity, particularly within Catholicism. He highlights misconceptions among young Catholics and advocates for a harmonious relationship informed by St. Thomas Aquinas. Baglow explores St. Augustine’s views on creation, emphasizing the compatibility of evolution with Catholic beliefs. He also critiques anti-Catholic sentiments and promotes scientific literacy in faith communities, illustrating a path toward cooperation between science and religion.

Professor Joshua Hochschild explores Aquinas's understanding of analogy in relation to divine simplicity, distinguishing between analogy as a likeness between things and analogy as a relation between the significations of terms, and argues that the former, rather than the latter, is more fundamental to addressing the challenges posed by divine simplicity.This lecture was given on May 31st, 2024, at Mount Saint Mary College.For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events.About the Speaker:Joshua Hochschild is Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University, where he also served six years as the inaugural Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. His primary research is in medieval logic, metaphysics, and ethics, with broad interest in liberal education and the continuing relevance of the Catholic intellectual tradition. He is the author of The Semantics of Analogy: Rereading Cajetan’s De Nominum Analogia (2010), translator of Claude Panaccio’s Mental Language: From Plato to William of Ockham (2017), and co-author of A Mind at Peace: Reclaiming an Ordered Soul in the Age of Distraction (2017). His writing has appeared in First Things, Commonweal, Modern Age and the Wall Street Journal. For 2020-21 he served as President of the American Catholic Philosophical Association.Keywords: Analogy, Aristotle, Divine Simplicity, Language, Meaning, Metaphysics, Proportionality, Semantics, Theology

In this engaging discussion, Joseph Trabbic, an associate professor at Ave Maria University with expertise in metaphysics and philosophy of religion, explores whether belief in God is rational. He contrasts knowledge and belief, examining how faith can be shaped by both reason and divine grace. Trabbic delves into the nature of God as the uncreated source of existence and discusses the philosophical arguments supporting the Christian understanding of God and the Trinity, making complex concepts accessible and thought-provoking.

In this enlightening talk, Thomas Hibbs, J. Newton Rayzor Sr. Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, dives into the essence of beauty and its role in transforming our moral lives. He discusses Iris Murdoch's idea of 'unselfing' through beauty, highlighting its power to connect us to others amid a self-absorbed culture shaped by social media. Hibbs also emphasizes how film can enhance philosophical understanding, showcasing its emotional resonance. Personal character in education, inspired by Aquinas, rounds off the discussion's rich exploration of beauty's significance.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. engages with Prof. Therese Cory, a Thomistic studies expert from Notre Dame, on the human desire for knowledge. They discuss the vital role of wonder in philosophy and the need for meaningful discourse in education. Cory emphasizes the shift in students' perspectives on truth, urging educators to foster deeper understanding. The conversation also highlights the importance of respectful, face-to-face dialogue, especially for Generation Z, to revitalize philosophical inquiry. Tune in for insights on navigating the complexities of modern knowledge!

Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P., a Dominican Friar and philosophy professor, delves into the evolution of fantasy literature, highlighting its darker grimdark subgenre. He compares Tolkien's noble narratives with George R.R. Martin's morally complex storytelling. The discussion explores Thomistic thought, examining truth and goodness within these works. Fr. Reese also articulates the doctrine of transcendentals, shedding light on their unity and significance in literature. Ultimately, he critiques the orientation of grimdark fantasy in relation to higher spiritual truths.

Thomas Hibbs, a renowned philosophy professor and author, explores profound themes in contemporary film. He critiques the representation of death and suffering in media, using clips from movies like 'Gravity.' Hibbs contrasts philosophical perspectives on mortality and discusses violence, morality, and courage in films such as 'The Hunger Games.' He examines love, sacrifice, and storytelling, emphasizing emotional depth through children's eyes. Additionally, he highlights the healing power of friendship in grief, showing how true companionship eases the burden of loss.