

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 23, 2019 • 52min
The Catastrophe of the Self: Walker Percy on Sin and Transcendence | Jennifer Frey
Expert in Walker Percy's philosophy, Jennifer Frey, discusses Percy's journey to self-knowledge and religion, his decision to embrace Catholicism, challenges of southern identity, and themes of sin, transcendence, and redemption in his novels.

Jan 18, 2019 • 45min
The Possibility of Perfection | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., a Dominican friar specializing in philosophy and theology, delves into the pursuit of human perfection through virtues like charity and aligning one's life towards God's love. The discussion explores the concept of spiritual progress, God's unique grace for each individual, the manifestation of God's glory through diversity, and the importance of individuals contributing to the collective magnificence of God.

5 snips
Jan 17, 2019 • 1h 23min
Classical Theism and the Nature of God | Edward Feser
Philosopher Edward Feser discusses classical theism vs theistic personalism, divine simplicity, divine conservation, and divine concurrence. The podcast dives into proofs for God's existence, attributes like omnipotence and omniscience, and the relationship between God and the world.

Jan 16, 2019 • 34min
Neuroscience and the Soul | James Madden
Neuroscientist James Madden delves into the philosophical view of the soul as a non-physical substance and its role in human consciousness. He discusses neuroscience's exploration of consciousness, the mind-body problem, and the challenges of reconciling physical and non-physical explanations. Exploring logical categories, substances, and the distinctive human ability of the soul.

Jan 14, 2019 • 1h 18min
Let Us Pray?The Liturgical Revolution of the 1960's | Prof. Christopher Ruddy
Expert in liturgical studies, Prof. Christopher Ruddy, delves into the liturgical changes of the 1960s, discussing the shift from Latin to vernacular language, the importance of tradition in rituals, the impact of modern distractions on liturgical practices, and the balance between preserving church musical traditions and embracing innovation.

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.


