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
6 snips
Feb 19, 2019 • 1h 10min
Good, Evil and Science | Fr. James Brent, OP
Fr. James Brent, OP, an expert in theology and philosophy, discusses integrating contemporary science with faith through wisdom and love, contrasting Aristotle with materialism. They explore form and finality in moral evaluations, the conflict between science and scripture, and the hermeneutics of suspicion, wisdom, and love. The discussion covers nature, ethics, and environmental mistreatment, advocating for a harmonious blend of science and faith.
Feb 18, 2019 • 1h 13min
Boundaries of Humanity: Humans, Animals, & Machines in the Age of Technology | Prof. William Hurlbut
Prof. William Hurlbut discusses the ethical implications of biotechnology, AI, and robotics on human-animal-machine boundaries. Topics include consciousness in animals, biotech enhancements, human-machine hybrids, transhumanism, CRISPR-Cas9 ethics, and the intersection of technology with human nature and spirituality.
Feb 15, 2019 • 48min
Are Science and Religion Compatible? | Fr. Michael Dodds, OP
Fr. Michael Dodds, OP, a theologian, discusses the compatibility of science and religion, challenging the idea of conflict. He explores historical perspectives, the balance between knowledge and belief, and advocates for dialogue and harmony between faith and reason.
Feb 14, 2019 • 1h 15min
Tolkien's Perilous Beauty | Prof. David O'Connor
Prof. David O'Connor explores danger and moral complexity in Tolkien's work, tackling controversial religious depictions in art with homoerotic undertones. He delves into the conflict between sensuality and spirituality in paintings and Tolkien's writing, discussing themes of death and obsession. The allure of beauty in art and music is examined in a spiritual context, emphasizing the struggle to appreciate beauty with spiritual integrity.
Feb 13, 2019 • 1h 13min
The Need for Catholic Intellectuals Today | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., a Catholic priest and theologian, discusses the role of Catholic intellectuals in addressing the challenges of relativism, integrating faith and reason, bridging the gap between ethics and culture, and upholding moral truths in a secularized society. The podcast emphasizes the importance of speaking truth with love and the need for intellectual evangelization in contemporary culture.
Feb 12, 2019 • 1h 13min
Being Religious in a Post-Medieval World: Spinoza, Paschal and Thomas | Prof. F. C. Bauerschmidt
Prof. F. C. Bauerschmidt discusses the contrasting views of Spinoza and Pascal on God, with Spinoza emphasizing nature and Pascal focusing on the free creator. They explore the perspectives of historical figures on religious pursuits, delve into the shift towards God's irrelevance in post-medieval thought, and compare the approaches of Thomas, Spinoza, and Pascal to life and knowledge.
Feb 11, 2019 • 57min
When is Religious Belief Irrational? On the Harmony of Faith and Reason | Fr. Thomas Joseph White OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White OP discusses the harmony of faith and reason in religious belief. Topics include critiquing religious rationality, wonders of scientific exploration, internal consistency of religious claims, the concept of Logos in Christianity, original sin's influence on human frailty, and the rationality of belief in miracles and saints.
Feb 8, 2019 • 1h 16min
Christianity in the Public Square | R.R. Reno
R.R. Reno discusses Christianity in the public square, emphasizing the importance of weak gods to counter totalitarianism. They explore the role of faith in shaping resilient citizens and promoting unity. The conversation delves into contrasting views on inevitability, self-transcendence, and the desire for connection in American society, critiquing populist policies and advocating for deep thinking in public discourse.
Feb 6, 2019 • 53min
"Late Have I Loved You" - Augustine & Thomas on Grace & Conversion | Paige Hochschild
Expert in Augustine and Thomas's philosophy on grace and conversion, Paige Hochschild discusses the transformative power of grace in Augustine's 'Confessions' and St. Paul's writings. She explores the parallels between biblical narratives and key themes of personal responsibility, divine providence, and spiritual victory, drawing comparisons between Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.
Feb 4, 2019 • 47min
What Can Film Teach Us About Religion? C.S. Lewis Goes to the Movies | Thomas Hibbs
Thomas Hibbs discusses the influence of C.S. Lewis on film, symbolism in Batman Begins, death in films, practicing the presence of God, re-read value of The Lord of the Rings, technology in superhero movies, and magic in Harry Potter.
