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
36 snips
May 20, 2025 • 34min
Ought I Use AI Assisted Writing? | Fr. Ambrose Little, O.P.
Fr. Ambrose Little, Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute and expert in Aristotle and Aquinas, dives into the philosophical and ethical implications of AI-assisted writing. He critiques Plato’s myth of Thoth, emphasizing the need to balance technology with internal memory. The discussion highlights the dangers of over-reliance on AI, advocating for preserving critical thinking and effective communication. Fr. Little also explores the importance of clear writing in learning and urges a virtue-oriented approach to knowledge in the AI age.
21 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Use of Tools in a Technocratic Age: the Death of Wisdom? | Sr. Anna Wray, O.P.
Sr. Anna Wray, a Dominican Sister and assistant professor of philosophy, dives into the complex relationship between technology and wisdom. She argues that our dependence on digital tools is eroding thoughtful understanding and social bonds. Using relatable scenarios, she highlights the importance of ethical decision-making, a reflective relationship with technology, and the need for communal engagement. Emphasizing the value of contemplation, Sr. Anna advocates for deeper connections and spiritual practices to counteract the superficiality of modern life.
May 16, 2025 • 45min
Friendship and the Common Good | Prof. Adam Eitel
Join Prof. Adam Eitel, an Associate Professor of Theology at the University of Dallas, as he unpacks the deep connections between friendship and the common good, drawing on the insights of Aquinas and Aristotle. He delves into how true friendship is a dynamic, habitual wish for the good of others, highlighting love and shared goals as the essence of genuine relationships. Eitel also discusses the transformative nature of charity in friendships, illustrating its pivotal role in shaping our collective identity and community purpose.
May 15, 2025 • 32min
Friendship is a Difficult Good | Fr. Cassian Derbes, O.P.
Fr. Cassian Derbes, a Dominican priest and visiting professor at Notre Dame, dives deep into the complexities of friendship. He discusses philosophical insights from giants like Aristotle and Aquinas, emphasizing how genuine friendships require virtue and effort. Fr. Cassian reveals the dynamic relationship between desire and goodness, showing how true connections can help us overcome despair. His reflections illuminate friendship as not just a bond but a vital force in living a fulfilling life.
16 snips
May 14, 2025 • 40min
Aquinas on Friendship and Human Excellence | Prof. Thomas Hibbs
In this engaging discussion, Thomas Hibbs, J. Newton Rayzor Sr. Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, dives deep into Aristotle's views on friendship, categorizing it into three types: utility, pleasure, and virtue. He highlights the alarming erosion of true friendships in our modern society and its detrimental effects on well-being. Hibbs also contrasts ancient and modern philosophies on happiness, advocating for the virtue of friendship as essential to a fulfilling life. This conversation sparks reflection on the nature of our connections and the pursuit of genuine relationships.
May 13, 2025 • 48min
How To Be A Good Friend: Combatting Envy And Apathy And Exercising Love And Wisdom | Prof. W. Scott Cleveland
W. Scott Cleveland, an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Catholic Studies at the University of Mary, shares profound insights on friendship, ethics, and the virtues that sustain it. He explores Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, highlighting how true happiness enhances relationships. The discussion delves into the challenges of envy and apathy, emphasizing the need for charitable love. Cleveland also outlines practical ways to nurture friendships through prudence and constructive feedback, revealing the moral foundations essential for genuine connections.
May 12, 2025 • 52min
What is Love? Plato’s Theology of the Body | Prof. Joshua Hochschild
In this conversation, Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosophy expert from Mount St. Mary’s University, dives into the complex nature of love through a Platonic lens. He examines the profound speeches in Plato's Symposium, revealing how love transcends mere physical attraction to reach divine beauty. Hochschild also discusses the impact of Catholic teachings on modern sexual ethics amidst contemporary hedonism, advocating for a deeper understanding of love that aligns with human dignity and spiritual fulfillment. It's a thought-provoking discourse on Eros, Agape, and moral choices in today’s world.
8 snips
May 9, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Metaphysics of Prayer | Fr. Stephen Brock
Fr. Stephen Brock is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei and a renowned professor of Medieval Philosophy at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. In this engaging discussion, he delves into the metaphysics of petitionary prayer, examining how prayer aligns human desires with God's will. He highlights insights from C.S. Lewis and Thomas Aquinas, revealing the profound role of human prayers in divine providence. Listeners will find a rich exploration of the interplay between belief, desire, and the nature of God.
8 snips
May 8, 2025 • 56min
Can Philosophical Skepticism Be Overcome? | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, Rector Magnificus at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome, dives deep into philosophical skepticism and realism. He explores the tension between skepticism and the nature of reality, referencing thinkers like Aristotle and Kant. The discussion includes the significance of essence and existence, juxtaposing Thomistic thought against modern critiques. White also sheds light on how art influences our understanding of reality, illustrating the interplay of knowledge and perception through human experience.
May 7, 2025 • 48min
Aquinas on the Identity of Essence and Existence in God | Prof. Michael Gorman
Michael Gorman, a Professor of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America, dives deep into Aquinas' doctrines. He explores the profound relationship between essence and existence in God, arguing that they are identical. Gorman discusses divine simplicity, emphasizing that God’s nature is uncomplicated, unlike created beings. He elaborates on how divine perfection reflects in creation and clarifies the limitations of human language when describing God’s essence. His insights illuminate the intricate metaphysical themes central to understanding both divine and non-divine realities.
