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
Nov 13, 2018 • 46min
Causality According to the Aristotelian-Thomistic Perspective | Michael Gorman
Guest Michael Gorman discusses causality from an Aristotelian-Thomistic perspective, exploring event causality, agent causation, the four causes, substantial change, essence of natural entities, harmony of modern science with Aristotelian principles, God as cause of creatures, and the concept of an uncaused cause for real causation.
Nov 10, 2018 • 55min
Substance and Accident, Act and Potency | Michael Gorman
Philosopher and author Michael Gorman delves into Thomistic philosophy, discussing substances, accidents, act, potency, and the essence-existence duality. He explores the interplay between essence and existence, highlighting the importance of actualizing potentialities for true being.
5 snips
Nov 8, 2018 • 51min
Beyond Scientism: Philosophical Knowing | Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr. James Brent, O.P., discusses the limitations of scientism and the importance of philosophical wisdom. He explores the implications of reducing knowledge to material units, challenges in justifying moral claims through science, and the search for ultimate truths beyond empirical observation.
Nov 7, 2018 • 1h 30min
Panel Discussion from "Christianity and the Common Good"
Exploring the differentiation between private goods and the common good according to Thomas Aquinas. Christianity's impact on African-American history and its role in promoting justice and freedom. Delving into racial disparities, mass incarceration, and the church's involvement in societal issues. Examining the evolution of doctrine on the death penalty in the Catholic Church and its implications for the common good.
Nov 6, 2018 • 1h 5min
Defending the Common Good: Mercy and Punishment, from Stoicism to Christianity | Sarah Byers
Sarah Byers, an expert on Stoicism and Christianity, discusses the historical context of punishment in ancient Rome, contrasting Stoic and Christian views on compassion and punishment. The conversation covers tombstone inscriptions, philosophical perspectives on death and punishment, and explores the death penalty through historical and philosophical lenses. Augustine's revisions to Aristotelian taxonomy of virtues, especially emphasizing compassion as a virtue in the action category, are highlighted.
Nov 5, 2018 • 1h 1min
Faith, Natural Law And The Common Good | J.Budziszewski
J.Budziszewski discusses natural law, faith, and the common good. Topics include the contrast between Aristotle's city and classical liberalism, the transformative power of grace in relationships, the significance of natural law in public discourse, the concept of evil as a disorder in truth perception, and the challenges for lawyers applying natural law in modern society.
Nov 2, 2018 • 53min
Shakespeare, the Book of Sir Thomas More, and the Common Good | Prof. Gerard Wegemer
Prof. Gerard Wegemer discusses Shakespeare's emphasis on the common good, analyzing themes of tyranny, justice, and virtue in his works. The podcast explores the significance of sacrificing personal gains for communal welfare through Shakespeare's diverse characters and historical contexts.
Nov 1, 2018 • 58min
From the Common Good to Public Order (and Back)| Gladden Pappin
Political philosophy expert Gladden Pappin discusses the concept of public order and its relation to the common good and religion. The podcast explores the historical evolution of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, the shift from freedom of religion to freedom of worship, and the challenges of disciplining priests within the church.
Oct 31, 2018 • 1h 2min
Purgatory - Good News for Most of Us | Prof. Michael Root
Prof. Michael Root discusses the historical development of purgatory in Catholicism, its role in spiritual growth, and how it differs between Protestant and Catholic perspectives. The concept of transformation, purification, indulgences, and prayers for the deceased are explored as ways to attain a perfect union with Christ through purgatory.
Oct 30, 2018 • 53min
Hobbits & Humility: Catholicism, Christology and the Lord of the Rings | Paige Hochschild
Expert Paige Hochschild discusses Catholicism, Christology, and the Lord of the Rings, exploring Tolkien's motivation for writing, his philosophy on history and storytelling, narrative truth, geographical connections in Middle Earth, and character analysis of Gandalf.
