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
Dec 28, 2018 • 1h 4min
What Do the Saints Do for Eternity? The Activity of Heaven | Michael Root
Michael Root, an expert on religious studies, discusses the concept of beatific vision, activities of saints in heaven, unity with God, resurrection of the body, and social interactions intertwined with bodily presence. The podcast explores beliefs about Jesus, transformed bodies, heavenly activities like worship, and the unique way beings praise God in the afterlife.
Dec 28, 2018 • 1h 21min
Artificial Intelligence and the Soul | Anselm Ramelow
Anselm Ramelow, an artificial intelligence expert, discusses the challenges of AI achieving consciousness and being considered persons. The podcast explores the complexities of consciousness, intentionality, and the distinction between mind and matter. It also touches on irreducible simplicity, immortality of the soul, and the relationship between consciousness and the physical body. Ramelow contemplates the potential for AI to possess free will and adaptability compared to human rationality.
Dec 27, 2018 • 41min
Hell and the Mercy of God | Adrian Reimers
Adrian Reimers, an expert in theology and philosophy, discusses the concept of a merciful God sending people to hell. Topics include the intertwining pursuit of goodness, reflections on judgment and human dignity, teachings of St. John Paul the Great, and the influence of Satan and Jesus on human salvation.
Dec 22, 2018 • 41min
The Thirst for Immortality and the Soul’s Need for Purgatory | Carol Zaleski
Carol Zaleski, an expert in theology and philosophy, discusses the evolution of human burial practices, theological perspectives on immortality, including Christian views on resurrection and purgatory. The conversation delves into purgatory analogies in other religions and the historical evolution of purgatory in Christian thought and literature.
Dec 21, 2018 • 46min
The Human Soul and Neuroscience: Is Belief in the Soul Obsolete? | Daniel De Haan
Neuroscience researcher Daniel De Haan explores the relevance of the human soul in light of modern neuroscience. The podcast discusses the historical evolution of beliefs on free will, the intersection of neuroscience and philosophy, and the complexities of human identity and personal agency.
Dec 20, 2018 • 42min
What Can Philosophy Tell Us About Life after Death? | Prof. Mark Spencer
Philosophy professor Prof. Mark Spencer explores life after death, immortality of the soul, and philosophical perspectives on soul experiences post-death. Discussions include personal identity, soul's independence from the body, moral duties, and debates on reincarnation and resurrection.
Dec 19, 2018 • 1h 18min
Does Evolutionary Theory Disprove Christianity? | Fr. Michael Dodds OP
Fr. Michael Dodds OP explores the perceived conflict between evolutionary theory and Christianity, debunking misconceptions and harmonizing both perspectives. Topics include the history of evolutionary theory, the scientific method, astronomical models, certainty levels of evolution, and the intersection of evolution with creationism. The discussion addresses societal influences on interpretations of evolution and the challenge of separating empirical science from controversial societal views.
Dec 18, 2018 • 1h 6min
St.Thomas & the Meaning of Love: Human and Divine Friendship | Fr. Gregory Pine OP
Fr. Gregory Pine OP discusses human and divine friendship, exploring distance and division in human life, the deception of self in relation to skills, contemplation of solitude and divine love, cooperating with God's grace and cultivating holy indifference.
Dec 15, 2018 • 55min
St. Thomas & the Meaning of Love: Love, Passion & Affection | Fr. Gregory Pine OP
Fr. Gregory Pine OP discusses love in 'Brideshead Revisited' and Dante's 'La Vite Nuova'. They explore St. Thomas Aquinas' concepts of love in human relationships, diving into literary examples from G.K. Chesterton. The podcast also delves into Dante's symbolic journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, emphasizing the importance of love, friendship, and virtues for moral fulfillment.
Dec 14, 2018 • 56min
Are Animals Intelligent? | Marie George
Marie George, an expert in animal behavior and cognition, discusses the differences between instinctual and learned behavior in animals, their cognitive abilities, language capabilities, and moral behavior. She explores the contrasts in communication, problem-solving, and abstract thinking between humans and animals, highlighting the limited depth of cognitive processes observed in animals compared to humans.
