

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

Aug 16, 2018 • 1h 11min
Divine Naming And Analogy | Joshua Hochschild
Renowned scholar Joshua Hochschild explores divine naming and analogy in St. Thomas Aquinas' theology, discussing concepts of linguistic and metaphysical analogy, proportional likeness, realism in semantics, evolving meanings, truth-maker theory, negative truths, and SCOTUS concerns about shared meaning in analogy construction.

Aug 15, 2018 • 1h 9min
Knowing God as He Who Is | Brian Carl
Theologian Brian Carl discusses the tension between cataphatic and apophatic aspects of naming God, exploring divine simplicity and the 'He Who Is' name. The importance of God's attributes for unity in knowledge, connecting creatures with wisdom, and the limits of human understanding in defining God's essence are highlighted.

Aug 14, 2018 • 1h 13min
The Preambles Of Faith | Fr. Raymund Snyder, OP
Fr. Raymund Snyder, OP, discusses Aquinas' perspective on preambles of faith, the relationship between reason and faith, and the necessity of grace for true belief. The podcast explores the unity and significance of belief in God, the practical necessity of revelation, and how preambles pave the way for a deeper understanding of faith in Aquinas' theology.

Aug 11, 2018 • 48min
The Dignity of Human Life | Helen Watt
Expert Helen Watt discusses the dignity of human life, emphasizing its inherent value in various contexts such as end-of-life care, pregnancy decisions, and embryo experimentation. She critiques differentiating early human life stages and advocates for upholding dignity once life begins, challenging traditional ethical debates.

Aug 9, 2018 • 1h 6min
Suffering and Flourishing | Eleonore Stump
Philosopher Eleonore Stump discusses the gift of suffering in Christianity and the concept of human flourishing. She explores the role of care, love, and relationships in moral judgment and personal thriving. The podcast also highlights inspiring stories of survivors who transcended abuse and slavery through love and advocacy, as well as delves into the themes of sacrifice for love and surrendering to God's grace in times of suffering.

Aug 8, 2018 • 52min
Accompaniment as the Perfection of the Image of God | Fr. James Sullivan, OP
Fr. James Sullivan discusses sin, grace, and redemption in the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness to grow spiritually. He explores the significance of accompaniment in confession and developing a closer relationship with God. The podcast reflects on refining silver as a metaphor for supporting others through challenges to reveal their true selves and reflect the image of God.

Dec 15, 2016 • 59min
The Rest is Said in Praise to God: Aquinas on the Rites of the Mass (Pt 2) | Fr. Innocent Smith OP
Fr. Innocent Smith OP, a Dominican priest specializing in Thomas Aquinas, discusses the Eucharistic mystery, sacraments, and the Roman Canon of the Mass. The podcast explores Saint Augustine's threefold perspective on sacraments, Aquinas' theological interpretations, and the distinctions between spiritual and rational offerings. Fasting before Mass and the inclusive nature of the liturgy are also highlighted.

Dec 15, 2016 • 58min
The Rest is Said in Praise to God: Aquinas on the Rites of the Mass (Pt 1) | Fr. Innocent Smith OP
Fr. Innocent Smith OP, an expert in Aquinas on the Rites of the Mass, delves into Thomas Aquinas's unique perspective on the Eucharistic liturgy, exploring specific Mass components like the Introit and the significance of Kyrie and Gloria prayers. The podcast also covers Thomas' interpretations of the Three Masses of Christmas, the Collect and Greetings in the Mass, and the incorporation of liturgical prayers and readings in his theology.

Dec 14, 2016 • 1h 10min
Why Are We? Classical & Contemporary Answers to the Meaning of Life | Fr. James Brent OP
Fr. James Brent OP, a priest specializing in the meaning of life, discusses nihilism, existential vacuum, and transcendent meaning. He explores the importance of love, contemplation, and aligning pursuits with knowing and loving God.

Dec 1, 2016 • 1h 15min
Vectors to God: Growing in Faith, Hope, and Love | Fr. Dominic Legge, OP
Fr. Dominic Legge, OP discusses 'vectors to God' through faith, hope, and love. He delves into the nature of faith beyond emotions, the importance of aligning faith with reason, and the difference between knowing about God and knowing Him intimately. The chapter also explores faith independent of communication abilities and emphasizes the relationship between emotions, love, and faith in marriage and connection to God.