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
8 snips
Oct 16, 2018 • 1h 14min
Aquinas On Human Freedom and Free Will | Fr. James Brent OP
Fr. James Brent OP, a Dominican priest, explores Aquinas' views on human freedom and free will. The podcast delves into the essence and properties of free will, contrasting modern unguided choices with Aquinas' perspective. It discusses human agency driven by well-being and happiness, the hindrances to achieving well-being in nature, and the impact of ignorance and passion on ethical decision-making. The narrative also touches on the relationship between human freedom, love, and the pursuit of true goodness.
Oct 15, 2018 • 1h 1min
Freedom Under the Law - Early Christian Views | Sarah Byers
Sarah Byers, an expert in early Christian views on freedom under the law, discusses differing perspectives on freedom and moral law in early Christianity, exploring concepts of societal order, rational autonomy, and natural law. The podcast delves into how early Christian thinkers integrated natural law into their ethical and political frameworks, examining the development of natural law and ethics in early Christian authors like Augustine, Origen, and Aquinas. It also explores the influence of early Christian views on ethics, grace, animal behavior, health, and original sin.
Oct 12, 2018 • 50min
Forgiveness and Solidarity in Dostoevsky's 'The Brother's Karamzov' | Nicholas Healy
Nicholas Healy, an expert in Dostoevsky's 'The Brothers Karamazov,' delves into the themes of love for mankind, belief in God, and human dignity in the novel. He discusses Dostoevsky's tumultuous life journey, translation recommendations, and the importance of seeking forgiveness and communal love in 'The Brothers Karamazov'.
Oct 11, 2018 • 1h 2min
Is Belief In God Rational? | Francis Beckwith
Philosopher and law expert Francis Beckwith discusses the rationality of belief in God, exploring arguments in faith, the concept of God in classical theism, proper functions and reasoning, abstract objects, and philosophical arguments for God's existence. The podcast emphasizes the harmony between faith and reason in the Catholic approach.
Oct 10, 2018 • 1h 23min
Using Similitudes for the Hypostatic Union | Michael Gorman
Michael Gorman, an expert in theological studies, discusses the use of similitudes in understanding the Hypostatic Union, exploring Aquinas and Scotus' views. The podcast delves into the limits of understanding theological mysteries, the power of metaphorical language in conveying deep concepts, and embracing diverse perspectives for productive discourse in Catholic theology.
Oct 10, 2018 • 1h 1min
Aquinas and Olivi on Job | Thomas Prugl
Thomas Prugl discusses how Thomas Aquinas prioritized the literal sense of scriptures, emphasizing themes of poverty, eschatology, and divine providence in the book of Job. The podcast explores Aquinas' views on Job as a wise man tested by God, contrasting them with Olivi's spiritual interpretations. It also delves into apologetic theology and the life of Peter of John Olivi, highlighting their different approaches to scripture and divine providence.
Oct 9, 2018 • 1h 3min
On the Speculative, Practical, or Affective Nature of Theology | Gregory LaNave
Gregory LaNave discusses the harmonious rivalry between Franciscan and Dominican intellectual traditions, exploring whether theology is speculative or practical science. The debate delves into affective nature, the distinction between wisdom from sacred scripture and God, and the affective role in theological inquiry.
Oct 6, 2018 • 1h 9min
On Analogy & Univocity Revisited | Timothy Noone
Philosophy expert Timothy Noone discusses Aquinas and Scotus' views on analogy and univocity, exploring their implications for theological thinking and epistemic access to divine perfections. The podcast also delves into Aristotle's concepts of genus, unity, and diversity, as well as the exploration of substance and transcendental notions in metaphysics.
Oct 5, 2018 • 1h 22min
Bonaventure, Thomas Aquinas & Duns Scotus on the Real Distinction | Msgr. Wippel
Msgr. Wippel, a theologian, discusses medieval thinkers' interpretations of a real distinction between beings and existence. Topics include essence and existence debates influenced by Avicenna, Albert's concepts of 'conga' and 'essay,' varying viewpoints on angelic beings' essence, and Aquinas's unique view on the significance of 'esse' as the act of all acts.
Oct 4, 2018 • 1h 14min
It's My Right: What are Natural Rights and What Rights Do We Have? | V. Bradley Lewis
V. Bradley Lewis, an expert on natural rights, discusses Aquinas's views on natural law and rights, exploring the transition from community-focused virtues to individual rights. The podcast delves into different types of rights, theories of rights, and the relationship between natural law and natural rights. It also examines the Thomistic perspective on natural rights, including discussions on religious freedom, private property, and modern challenges.
