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 22, 2025 • 53min
What is the Separated Human Soul? Incomplete Person, Survivalism or Corruptionism | Prof. Daniel De Haan
In this thought-provoking discussion, Daniel De Haan, a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford, dives deep into the philosophical dimensions of the separated human soul. He examines Thomistic anthropology and offers insights on personal identity post-death. De Haan contrasts survivalism with corruptionism, supporting corruptionism's take on personhood. He also tackles the soul's rational capabilities in a disembodied state, proposing a nuanced understanding of identity. This conversation weaves together theology, philosophy, and the intricate fate of the human soul.
Jan 21, 2025 • 43min
What Happens After Death? | Prof. Jeffrey Brower
In this discussion, Jeffrey E. Brower, a Professor of Philosophy at Purdue University, dives into profound questions about life after death. He contrasts materialism and substance dualism, emphasizing Aquinas' hylomorphism to illuminate our understanding of human identity. Brower explores the complexities of existence beyond death, challenging listeners to reconsider their notions of self and the implications of philosophical thought on mortality. His insights provide a fascinating lens on the intersection of metaphysics and philosophical theology.
13 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 55min
Politics and the Modern State: Understanding the Common Good | Prof. Brad Lewis
Prof. Brad Lewis, an associate professor of philosophy at the Catholic University of America, dives deep into the evolving concept of the common good in political discourse. He explores its historical roots, discussing Aristotle and Aquinas, and critiques modern interpretations in light of contemporary challenges. Lewis warns against modern totalitarianism and advocates for human dignity amid bureaucratic governance. His insights illuminate how classical thought can inform today's political structures, emphasizing the vital role of the common good for both individuals and society.
Jan 17, 2025 • 43min
Bored to Tears: Confronting the Taedium Vitae with Thomas Aquinas | Fr. Stewart Clem
Fr. Stewart Clem, an Episcopal priest and scholar specializing in Thomas Aquinas, dives deep into the intriguing topic of boredom from a moral and theological perspective. He discusses the historical context of boredom in Christian thought and its implications for moral agency. Exploring different types of boredom, he contrasts placid and existential forms, revealing how they affect one's engagement with spirituality. Clem emphasizes that understanding boredom requires a recognition of both joy and sorrow, shedding light on a universal human experience.
Jan 16, 2025 • 48min
The Seven Deadly Sins | Prof. Timothy Pawl
Timothy J. Pawl, a philosophy expert from the University of St. Thomas, dives deep into the concept of the seven deadly sins. He clarifies their significance within the Catholic tradition and discusses their artistic representations. Focusing on Aquinas's insights, Pawl examines the connections between sins like lust, gluttony, and avarice, along with the implications of wrath and envy. The importance of humility is also highlighted, revealing the intricate balance between virtue and vice in moral philosophy.
Jan 15, 2025 • 32min
Augustine and the Quest for Self-Knowledge | Prof. Michael Foley
Michael Foley, a Catholic theologian and Professor of Patristics at Baylor University, delves into Augustine's quest for self-knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of introspection in understanding oneself and God, exploring the philosophical journey from ancient thinkers to modern implications for universities. Foley critiques the simplistic narratives of victimhood while addressing the complexities of identity, particularly in relation to social injustices. His insights connect historical perspectives to contemporary movements, shedding light on the necessity of moral accountability.
Jan 14, 2025 • 52min
The Spiritual Life | Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P.
Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P., a passionate Dominican priest and campus outreach coordinator, dives into the transformative power of sanctifying grace and its vital role in spiritual life. He discusses the challenges modern students face in a fragmented educational system, advocating for a faith-enriched path inspired by Pope St. John Paul II. The conversation also examines the intricate relationship between faith and reason in higher education, warning against contemporary philosophical pitfalls like scientism and nihilism, while emphasizing the importance of divine mercy.
Jan 13, 2025 • 38min
The Moral Life | Prof. Michael Krom
Michael Krom, a professor at Saint Vincent College and expert in Aquinas’s philosophical theology, delves into the moral life and its complexities. He explores how everyone seeks the good, analyzing moral relativism in practical living. Krom highlights the interplay between love, law, and virtue, urging self-reflection to navigate moral actions. He emphasizes the connection between beauty, truth, and love, advocating for humility in the pursuit of objective truth. Lastly, he discusses the balance of education, spirituality, and community for true happiness.
37 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
Christianity as True Philosophy: The Theology of St. Justin Martyr | Prof. Matthew Thomas
In this enlightening discussion, Matthew J. Thomas, an expert in Biblical Studies, delves into the profound theological contributions of St. Justin Martyr. He explores how Justin harmonized faith with reason, emphasizing the unity between philosophy and theology. The conversation highlights Justin's views on the transformative power of early Christian sacraments like baptism and the Eucharist. Additionally, Thomas discusses how Justin's teachings fostered community and optimism among believers, showcasing the enduring relevance of his thought in today's world.
Jan 9, 2025 • 41min
The Error of Beginnings and the Beginning of Errors: Creation and the Origin of the Universe | Prof. William Carroll
William E. Carroll, a recently retired professor from the Aquinas Institute of Blackfriars at Oxford, dives into the profound relationship between creation, cosmology, and theology. He tackles how misconceptions about beginnings can lead to errors in various fields. Carroll argues that modern cosmological theories do not negate the need for a creator and clarifies the philosophical distinctions of existence and creation. He emphasizes Aquinas’s insights on creation ex nihilo and the ongoing dependency of beings on God, while urging caution against conflating science with theology.
