

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

Jul 9, 2019 • 1h 8min
Understanding the Moral Object | Fr. Stephen Brock
Fr. Stephen Brock, an expert in moral philosophy and theology, discusses the significance of the moral object in human acts according to St. Thomas Aquinas and Veritatis Splendor. The podcast dives into the concept of the moral object in actions, ethical dilemmas like theft and targeting civilians in warfare, and the intricacies of moral acts such as lying and theft based on intention and knowledge.

Jul 6, 2019 • 1h 19min
What Are Virtues and Why Do We Need Them? | Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P.
Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P., an expert in ethics, explores virtues as operative habits guiding good actions, contrasts virtue-centered morality with act-centered views, analyzes moral development through stories like John Steinbeck's, emphasizes acquiring virtues through practice like in music or sports, delves into philosophical perspectives on human dignity by Kant and Aquinas, and discusses the role of virtues in overcoming vices like alcoholism.

21 snips
Jul 4, 2019 • 1h 8min
Aquinas on Stages of Human Action: Part 2 | Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr. James Brent, O.P., discusses Aquinas' stages of human action, emphasizing initial apprehension in free choice. Topics include evaluating ends, making decisions for happiness, intellect and will in decision-making, virtues for pursuing happiness, and the role of judgment and consent in decision-making. Aquinas' views on intellect, will, sin, and corrupt habits are explored. The podcast also compares anthropological views from various philosophers and emphasizes the importance of reconsideration in human action stages.

18 snips
Jul 3, 2019 • 1h 5min
Aquinas on the Stages of Human Action: Part 1 | Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr. James Brent, O.P., a Dominican priest, delves into Aquinas' perspective on human action, free will, and happiness. Topics include the interplay between intellect and will, the pursuit of ultimate happiness through choices, the balance of good and bad in decision-making, and the complexities of virtue and errors in judgment.

Jul 2, 2019 • 1h 3min
Friendship with God, the Highest Common Good | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. discusses the Gospel of John's influence on liturgical periods, the unique concept of divine friendship in Christianity compared to other religions, Aristotle's views on common goods, the importance of human groups in society, and navigating friendships with non-Christians.

Jun 29, 2019 • 1h 3min
This is My Body: Explaining Transubstantiation | Fr. Thomas Davenport, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Davenport, O.P., a theologian, discusses the biologists' test on Eucharistic hosts, the doctrine of transubstantiation, and the fusion of faith and reason in Catholic beliefs. He delves into the intricate discussion on transubstantiation's philosophical and theological perspectives, emphasizing its significance for believers and God's interaction with humanity.

Jun 27, 2019 • 1h 4min
St. Augustine on Friendship with God | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., discusses St. Augustine's views on friendship with God, emphasizing the importance of love and friendship in interpreting scripture. The podcast explores Augustine's journey of knowing and loving God, his beliefs on enjoying God's friendship for its own sake, and the necessity of spiritual progression through prayer and reliance on God's grace. It also touches on Augustine's perspectives on God's plan, divine love, and the ultimate goal of enjoying God's presence forever.

Jun 26, 2019 • 59min
Passions and the Life of Virtue | Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste, O.P.
Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste, O.P., a Dominican nun, discusses the interconnection of virtues and passions, exploring the impact on human behavior. She emphasizes the importance of training willpower and achieving self-mastery, highlighting the alignment of sense appetite with reason for virtue. The podcast also delves into the role of the chest in embodying magnanimity and virtuous passions, emphasizing the significance of rational judgment in moral choices.

Jun 25, 2019 • 1h 21min
The Vocation of a Lawyer and the Virtues | Prof.Ryan Meade
Prof. Ryan Meade delves into the significance of virtues and vocation in the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of good habits, clear purpose, and ethical decision-making. The discussion explores the impact of virtues on client relationships, societal well-being, and personal fulfillment within the legal field.

Jun 22, 2019 • 60min
Does Science Discredit Faith? | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., discusses the compatibility between science and faith, emphasizing their unique contributions. The podcast explores classical and modern conceptions of science and faith, highlighting the shift towards materialistic approaches and goal-oriented practices. It also delves into philosophical implications of scientific theories, evolution, and Christian faith, while emphasizing the complementary views of reality provided by both faith and science.