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
Nov 7, 2019 • 54min
The Search For Meaning: A Talk On Finding Happiness | Prof. Alexander Pruss
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.
Nov 7, 2019 • 47min
Natural Inclinations, Natural Law, & Divine Grace | Fr. Dominic Legge, OP
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.
Nov 6, 2019 • 1h 10min
What is the Meaning of Suffering? | Prof. Eleonore Stump
Philosopher and theologian Prof. Eleonore Stump discusses the meaning of suffering, exploring how it can lead to spiritual growth and human flourishing. The podcast delves into the Christian perspective on suffering as a gift from God, the distinction between bodily and mental thriving, and the resilience of figures like Harriet Tubman. It also examines the Orthodox Christian view on suffering, relationships, and salvation, highlighting the transformative power of accepting and sharing suffering in life.
Nov 5, 2019 • 1h 11min
All Truth, Whoever Says It, Comes From The Holy Spirit | Fr. Andrew Hofer, OP
Fr. Andrew Hofer, OP, discusses the origin of truth from the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of speaking in the Holy Spirit and the relationship between evil, goodness, falsity, and truth. The search for truth and unity is explored, along with discussions on goodness, evil, truth, and societal bonds.
Nov 1, 2019 • 49min
Faith and Reason in the Life of St. John Henry Newman | Dr. Nathaniel Peters
Dr. Nathaniel Peters, an expert on St. John Henry Newman, discusses the interplay between faith and doubt, explores the rationality of belief in God, delves into Newman's life journey and impactful preaching, and analyzes Newman's views on faith, reason, love, and obedience.
Oct 31, 2019 • 52min
Beauty Unveiled | Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, explores the interconnected concepts of truth, goodness, and beauty. He discusses how art transforms experiences and the transformative power of encountering beauty. The podcast delves into the concept of beauty from philosophical and theological perspectives, drawing from the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Oct 30, 2019 • 1h 35min
Tolkien And The Eucharist In "The Lord Of The Rings" | Prof. Peter Kreeft
Philosopher and theologian, Prof. Peter Kreeft, dives into the religious and philosophical themes in 'The Lord of the Rings', discussing good and evil, the hierarchy of moral knowledge, power, addiction, and divine elements in the narrative. He explores themes of immortality, fantasy, and sacrifice, as well as the relationship between body and soul, Descartes' views, and modern work ethics. The podcast also touches on subsidiarity, Tom Bombadil, and Tolkien's influences.
Oct 29, 2019 • 52min
The Political Boundaries Of The Church | Prof. Gladden Pappin
Prof. Gladden Pappin discusses the evolving role of the Catholic Church in politics, exploring its transition from a political institution to a moral voice. The podcast delves into jurisdictional boundaries, challenges like the sexual abuse crisis, and the church's legal authority. It also examines coercion within the church and conflicts between ecclesiastical power and state influence, focusing on modern disputes like the China Accord.
Oct 28, 2019 • 48min
Thomas Aquinas on Religious Vocations | Fr. Andrew Hofer, OP
Fr. Andrew Hofer, OP, a Dominican priest specializing in the theology of Thomas Aquinas, discusses how Aquinas' religious vocation influenced his writings. Topics include Aquinas' concerns on religious vocations, virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience, guidance for discernment, and the beauty of the desire for a religious vocation.
Oct 25, 2019 • 1h 2min
The Vocation Of The Student | Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, discusses the vocation of students, emphasizing discernment, virtue, and God's creation out of love. Topics include exploring virtues for a good life, the purpose of education for human formation, the virtue of studiousness, and embracing solitude for intellectual growth.
