

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

Jun 11, 2019 • 31min
The Science and Practice of Christian Prayer | Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, OP
Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, OP, explores Christian prayer's evolution, emphasizing contemplation for a deeper connection with God. He discusses the stages of Christian prayer like the prayer of quiet and mystical prayer, touching on themes of forgiveness, grace, and transformation. The podcast also delves into intercessory prayer, God's work through different instruments, and individuals' collaborative role in divine action.

Jun 8, 2019 • 1h 33min
What is a Law of Nature? | Prof. Edward Feser
Philosophy professor Prof. Edward Feser discusses the nature of physical laws, exploring different perspectives like Platonic, instrumentalist, and Aristotelian views. The discussion covers scientism, regularity theory, miracles, essence, and the relationship between laws of nature and physical substances' essences.

Jun 6, 2019 • 42min
The Mind of Christ: Christ's Human Knowledge and Our Salvation | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., discusses Christ's human knowledge in relation to salvation, highlighting the role of knowledge in revealing God's truth and securing our salvation. He explores various forms of knowledge in Christ's human mind and addresses objections. The podcast connects supernatural knowledge to divine revelation and Christ's embodiment of the word.

Jun 5, 2019 • 1h
Why Did God Die? Salvation According to Aquinas | Prof. Rik Van Nieuwenhove
Prof. Rik Van Nieuwenhove, a theology and philosophy professor, discusses Thomas Aquinas' views on salvation, exploring the penal aspect and God's justice. They delve into sin, forgiveness, and divine mercy in Aquinas' theology, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice. The discussion also touches on God's generosity and mercy in salvation, highlighting the interplay between justice and liberality.

Jun 4, 2019 • 1h 11min
A Defense of Political Augustinianism | Pater Edmund Waldstein
Pater Edmund Waldstein explores the defense of political Augustinianism, Catholic integralism, and Christian anarchism. The discussion delves into the subordination of temporal to spiritual authority, the historical context of political Augustinianism, the two cities concept, and the evolution of Augustinian political thought.

Jun 1, 2019 • 58min
Does Evolution Undermine Christianity? | Prof. James Madden
Prof. James Madden, an expert in the intersection of evolution and Christianity, discusses key theses like Mago Dei and special creation, exploring how they intersect with evolution. The podcast delves into human evolution, reconciling science and faith, and explores how physical structures and evolutionary processes provide insights into human traits like rational thinking and morality.

May 29, 2019 • 1h 26min
Human Freedom and Divine Grace | Prof Sarah Byers
Prof Sarah Byers discusses Augustine's views on divine grace, habit influence on decision-making, cooperating vs. operating grace, emotional regulation in Stoicism, suggestion and divine grace in decision-making, and theological concepts in St. Augustine's teachings.

May 27, 2019 • 1h 9min
What Do We Really Know About Right and Wrong? | Prof. J. Budzsizewski
Prof. J. Budzsizewski discusses the dangers of relativism, evolving societal views on marriage, challenges of maintaining a consistent relativist stance, negative consequences of modern attitudes towards sex, and the importance of objective morality and human flourishing.

May 24, 2019 • 37min
Cognitive Science versus the Soul | Prof James Madden & Prof. Mark Johnson
Prof James Madden, cognitive science expert, and Prof. Mark Johnson, specializing in the soul, debate substance dualism, soul-body relationship, challenges to immortality of the soul, human soul's ties to material organization, natural evil, anthrodice, and cognitive science's impact on human nature

May 22, 2019 • 1h 2min
Emotion, Affection & Friendship: Aquinas on the Nature of Love | Fr. Gregory Pine OP
Fr. Gregory Pine OP explores Aquinas' views on love, discussing its animalistic and spiritual aspects. Friendship is highlighted as the highest form of human affection, emphasizing the transformative power of companionship and the importance of cultivating deep connections based on shared virtues and pursuits.


