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 26, 2019 • 50min
Neuroscience and the Soul | Prof. James Madden (duplicate?)
Prof. James Madden discusses the traditional concept of the soul and its interconnectedness with the body in the Aristotelian, Thomistic tradition. The conversation explores dualism, neuroscience's impact on understanding the soul, and the distinction between material parts and the soul as an animating principle in living beings.
Feb 25, 2019 • 44min
The Pursuit of Profound Rest: Friendship, Contemplation, and Work | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP discusses the value of genuine friendships, deep contemplation, and meaningful work in fostering happiness and true rest. He explores various forms of contemplation, the beauty of reality, the integration of body and contemplation, and the importance of bringing a contemplative worldview to work and friendships.
Feb 22, 2019 • 32min
Is There a Human Nature? | Prof. Michael Gorman
Prof. Michael Gorman, a Philosophy Professor, debates human nature perspectives, from rejecting inherent nature to defining it as particle interactions. The discussion delves into reductionism's impact and explores the adequacy of understanding human nature. Topics include free will, moral agency, naturalism, and the limitations of a purely naturalistic view on normativity and human thought.
Feb 21, 2019 • 1h 1min
Creation and the Big Bang | Prof. Stephen Barr
Prof. Stephen Barr explores creation, the Big Bang, and the purpose of the universe. Discusses the act of creation, the fine-tuning of physics, and the implications of the multiverse hypothesis. Examines free will in Christian perspective and the symbolic interpretation of Genesis.
Feb 20, 2019 • 59min
Culture, Nature and God in the Social Sciences | Prof. Margarita Mooney
Prof. Margarita Mooney discusses combining sociology and theology, emphasizing the need for moral philosophy in sociological studies. The podcast critiques the limited scope of social sciences in understanding deep human experiences and advocates for incorporating philosophical and theological perspectives. It explores vulnerability, transcendence, and the debate on labeling sociology as 'science'. The discussion also highlights challenges in quantifying complex human experiences and the value of a balanced approach in research.
6 snips
Feb 19, 2019 • 1h 10min
Good, Evil and Science | Fr. James Brent, OP
Fr. James Brent, OP, an expert in theology and philosophy, discusses integrating contemporary science with faith through wisdom and love, contrasting Aristotle with materialism. They explore form and finality in moral evaluations, the conflict between science and scripture, and the hermeneutics of suspicion, wisdom, and love. The discussion covers nature, ethics, and environmental mistreatment, advocating for a harmonious blend of science and faith.
Feb 18, 2019 • 1h 13min
Boundaries of Humanity: Humans, Animals, & Machines in the Age of Technology | Prof. William Hurlbut
Prof. William Hurlbut discusses the ethical implications of biotechnology, AI, and robotics on human-animal-machine boundaries. Topics include consciousness in animals, biotech enhancements, human-machine hybrids, transhumanism, CRISPR-Cas9 ethics, and the intersection of technology with human nature and spirituality.
Feb 15, 2019 • 48min
Are Science and Religion Compatible? | Fr. Michael Dodds, OP
Fr. Michael Dodds, OP, a theologian, discusses the compatibility of science and religion, challenging the idea of conflict. He explores historical perspectives, the balance between knowledge and belief, and advocates for dialogue and harmony between faith and reason.
Feb 14, 2019 • 1h 15min
Tolkien's Perilous Beauty | Prof. David O'Connor
Prof. David O'Connor explores danger and moral complexity in Tolkien's work, tackling controversial religious depictions in art with homoerotic undertones. He delves into the conflict between sensuality and spirituality in paintings and Tolkien's writing, discussing themes of death and obsession. The allure of beauty in art and music is examined in a spiritual context, emphasizing the struggle to appreciate beauty with spiritual integrity.
Feb 13, 2019 • 1h 13min
The Need for Catholic Intellectuals Today | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., a Catholic priest and theologian, discusses the role of Catholic intellectuals in addressing the challenges of relativism, integrating faith and reason, bridging the gap between ethics and culture, and upholding moral truths in a secularized society. The podcast emphasizes the importance of speaking truth with love and the need for intellectual evangelization in contemporary culture.
