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 16, 2019 • 1h 13min
The Novelty of Transubstantiation: The Presence of Christ in the Eucharist | Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr. James Brent, O.P. discusses the doctrine of transubstantiation in the Eucharist, exploring themes of Christ's presence, friendship, and communion. He contrasts perspectives on the real presence of Christ, delves into Aquinas' view on accidents, and emphasizes worship through Christ's sacrifice. The conversation touches on the challenges of modern science to the belief in the Eucharist and the effects of sacraments on spiritual growth.
Jul 13, 2019 • 1h 11min
Prudence and the Moral Virtues | Prof. Fred Freddoso
Prof. Fred Freddoso, an expert in moral philosophy, discusses the importance of considering the broader context in decision-making. The podcast explores the history of moral theory, parental influence on children's moral development, the role of prudence in decision-making, and the impact of prudence within the Christian narrative. It also delves into the progression towards a virtuous life through the cultivation of virtues and integration into the Christian framework.
Jul 11, 2019 • 1h 16min
Are There Intrinsically Evil Acts? | Prof. Steven Long
Professor Steven Long, an expert in ethics and philosophy, discusses Thomas's perspective on natural law, intention, and human actions. The podcast delves into the complexities of moral actions, intentions, and the concept of intrinsically evil acts, using examples like sacrilege and adultery to illustrate the intricate relationship between actions, intentions, and moral evaluation.
Jul 10, 2019 • 1h 16min
What is the Nature of the Will? | Prof. Edward Feser
Philosopher Prof. Edward Feser discusses the nature of the will, critiquing determinism and exploring the unique powers of substances. He delves into the relationship between the will and intellect, debunking misconceptions and discussing Aquinas' perspective on free will. The podcast contrasts Aristotelian Thomistic views with naturalist materialist philosophy on intellect and free will.
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.
