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 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.
Dec 13, 2018 • 42min
Aquinas's Reception of Aristotle | Reinhard Hütter
Reinhard Hütter discusses Aquinas's engagements with Averroists, delving into the intellect vs. sense debate. The podcast explores Aquinas's interpretation of Aristotle's metaphysics, focusing on intelligible forms and human knowledge. Hütter highlights clashes between philosophical and theological perspectives during the Latin Averroism movement.
Dec 12, 2018 • 56min
Thomas Aquinas and the Greek Fathers for the Renewal of Theology | Fr. Andrew Hofer OP
Fr. Andrew Hofer OP, an expert in Thomas Aquinas and the Greek Fathers for the Renewal of Theology, discusses the integration of Greek and Latin theology, explores Trinitarian theology and tradition, advocates for theological renewal through historical engagement, and delves into the influence of Greek patristic thought in scholasticism.
5 snips
Dec 11, 2018 • 1h 5min
What is the Purpose of Life? Classical and Contemporary Answers | Jennifer Frey
Jennifer Frey discusses classical and contemporary answers on the purpose of life. Topics include existentialist philosophy, pursuit of happiness, connection between meaning and happiness, role of form in defining purpose and goodness, perspectives on happiness and fulfilling life, contrasting hedonism with meaningful objectives, achieving ultimate satisfaction through communion with God, and importance of family in politics
Dec 8, 2018 • 1h 3min
Is Free Will an Illusion?| Timothy Pawl
Philosophy professor Timothy Pawl debates determinism, libertarianism, and compatibilism. He delves into Aquinas' perspective on free will, subjective and objective affection, and the illusion of free will. The podcast explores moral responsibility, quantum physics arguments against determinism, and evolutionary ethics in understanding morality.
