

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

Jan 11, 2019 • 43min
Who's in Charge Here?: The Church, Society and Obedience| Fr. Joseph Fox, OP
Fr. Joseph Fox, OP discusses the impact of 1968 on civil and political rights, social movements, and challenges to the existing order. He explores the generational shift in the 1960s, evolution of Canon Law, fear of schism in the Church, and dissent over teachings on birth control.

Jan 10, 2019 • 1h 21min
A Discordant Time: Musical Revolution Since the 1960s | Fr. William Goldin
Fr. William Goldin, an expert in music history, discusses the musical revolution since the 1960s. Topics include the rejection of tonality, atonality, serialism, and aleatoric music, the influence of global crises on classical music, and the exploration of objective beauty in modern music.

Jan 9, 2019 • 1h 15min
Do Muslims and Christians and Jews Believe in the Same God? | Prof. Francis Beckwith
Prof. Francis Beckwith discusses if Muslims, Christians, and Jews worship the same God. The debate on religious beliefs, St. Thomas Aquinas' perspective, Superman's dual identity, different viewpoints on one divine entity, historical references, objections against same God worship, and the role of faith in Catholic beliefs are explored.

Jan 8, 2019 • 50min
Has Neuroscience Disproved Free Will? | Dr. Daniel De Haan
Dr. Daniel De Haan, a neuroscientist, discusses the complexities of free will and the impact of neuroscience. He explores if free will is experiential or conceptual, and how neuroscience experiments challenge moral responsibility. De Haan critiques Libet's studies on pre-conscious movements and suggests new approaches to understanding voluntary actions.

Jan 7, 2019 • 1h 24min
Sacraments, Grace and Ethics: The Church at Work | Fr. Romanus Cessario, OP
Fr. Romanus Cessario, OP, discusses sacraments, grace, and ethics in the Catholic Church, addressing divine grace's impact on human actions and sacraments' role in salvation. The podcast explores forgiveness, grace, and baptism, delving into ethical decision-making, bravery, emotions, and rational choice, as well as clear ideas, desire, and decision-making processes. Additionally, it examines the history of sacraments and the Reformation, emphasizing scripture, tradition, and magisterium in understanding divine revelation.

Jan 4, 2019 • 52min
In the Beginning: The Big Bang and the God of Creation | Fr. Thomas Davenport, OP
Fr. Thomas Davenport discusses how to reconcile religious accounts of creation in Genesis with scientific theories like the Big Bang. He explores St. Augustine's interpretation of Genesis, the age of the universe, diverse interpretations of Genesis by church fathers, and the origins and order of the universe.

Jan 3, 2019 • 40min
Perspective of a Catholic Prosecutor | Honorable John Durham
Honorable John Durham, a Catholic prosecutor, shares his experiences upholding his faith while working in law. He discusses prosecuting high-profile crime families, including the New England mob, and the challenges of maintaining ethical standards. Durham reflects on how his Catholic beliefs guide him in seeking justice and upholding moral values in his career.

Jan 2, 2019 • 1h 9min
Why Leisure is Necessary for Human Beings | Zena Hitz
Expert Zena Hitz delves into the significance of leisure in human life, exploring deep contemplation and stillness beyond mere relaxation. Reflects on pursuing ultimate ends for intrinsic value and Aristotle's view on leisure fostering creativity and personal growth. Discusses challenges in attaining meaningful leisure amidst demanding work conditions, contrasting natural leisure with strenuous work situations.

Jan 1, 2019 • 50min
Literature as Philosophy | Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, explores how literature reveals hidden truths, the transformative power of literature in self-reflection, the unique ability of literature to focus on concrete aspects of life, and the value of incorporating diverse literature traditions in education.

Dec 31, 2018 • 41min
Eating God: Can the Eucharist Really be Jesus? | Alexander Pruss
Theologian and philosopher Alexander Pruss discusses the concept of the Eucharist being Jesus. The podcast explores the Real Presence in the Eucharist, theological debates on transubstantiation, early Christian beliefs on the literal interpretation, and the metaphysics of the Eucharist's significance.