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
Feb 1, 2019 • 1h 7min
The Antidote to Death: St. Thomas Aquinas on the Eucharist | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., an expert in theology and philosophy, discusses the Eucharist as the antidote to death. The podcast explores early Christian beliefs on the Eucharist, the significance of church hierarchy, and St. Thomas Aquinas' teachings. It also delves into the symbolism of bread and wine, authenticity debates of ancient texts, and the spiritual nourishment provided by the Eucharist.
Jan 30, 2019 • 1h 42min
Is Belief in Miracles Rational? | Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., a Dominican priest specialized in theology and philosophy, explores the rationality of belief in miracles. He challenges skepticism, discusses David Hume's arguments, analyzes witness behavior, and emphasizes the importance of historical evidence and independent testimonies. The discussion also touches on the apostles' testimony, the efficacy of prayer, and the distinction between scientific explanations and unique historical events.
Jan 29, 2019 • 40min
Law Without a Law Giver? Why Natural Rights Require a Divine Source | Prof. Francis Beckwith
Philosopher and legal scholar Prof. Francis Beckwith discusses natural rights, linking them to a divine source for universal moral truths. The podcast explores the significance of natural law, human flourishing, and the story of Kurt Wise. It also delves into the characteristics of natural moral law, evolutionary explanations, and argues that a transcendent intelligence like God is the source of natural rights.
Jan 25, 2019 • 58min
Aquinas on the Person and the Analogical Scale of Truth | Enrique Martinez
Enrique Martinez, an expert in Aquinas philosophy, discusses the Thomistic view on truth, personhood, and relationships. Topics include universality vs. singularity in knowledge, the significance of immateriality in understanding the human person, and the role of individuality in communication. Martinez also explores the concept of faces reflecting individuality and divine essence.
Jan 24, 2019 • 49min
The First Theologians: Who Were the Church Fathers and Why Do They Matter? | Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
Fr. Gregory Pine, OP discusses the criteria for being considered a church father and their role in preserving collective memory. He delves into the Church Fathers' impact on theology, the development of the Canon, and the significance of tradition. The episode explores the various senses of scripture, influence of key figures on source texts, and complexities in categorizing individuals like Novation and Nestorius.
Jan 23, 2019 • 52min
The Catastrophe of the Self: Walker Percy on Sin and Transcendence | Jennifer Frey
Expert in Walker Percy's philosophy, Jennifer Frey, discusses Percy's journey to self-knowledge and religion, his decision to embrace Catholicism, challenges of southern identity, and themes of sin, transcendence, and redemption in his novels.
Jan 18, 2019 • 45min
The Possibility of Perfection | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., a Dominican friar specializing in philosophy and theology, delves into the pursuit of human perfection through virtues like charity and aligning one's life towards God's love. The discussion explores the concept of spiritual progress, God's unique grace for each individual, the manifestation of God's glory through diversity, and the importance of individuals contributing to the collective magnificence of God.
5 snips
Jan 17, 2019 • 1h 23min
Classical Theism and the Nature of God | Edward Feser
Philosopher Edward Feser discusses classical theism vs theistic personalism, divine simplicity, divine conservation, and divine concurrence. The podcast dives into proofs for God's existence, attributes like omnipotence and omniscience, and the relationship between God and the world.
Jan 16, 2019 • 34min
Neuroscience and the Soul | James Madden
Neuroscientist James Madden delves into the philosophical view of the soul as a non-physical substance and its role in human consciousness. He discusses neuroscience's exploration of consciousness, the mind-body problem, and the challenges of reconciling physical and non-physical explanations. Exploring logical categories, substances, and the distinctive human ability of the soul.
Jan 14, 2019 • 1h 18min
Let Us Pray?The Liturgical Revolution of the 1960's | Prof. Christopher Ruddy
Expert in liturgical studies, Prof. Christopher Ruddy, delves into the liturgical changes of the 1960s, discussing the shift from Latin to vernacular language, the importance of tradition in rituals, the impact of modern distractions on liturgical practices, and the balance between preserving church musical traditions and embracing innovation.
