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
Jun 22, 2016 • 1h 14min
Human Rights | Prof. Angela Knobel
Philosophy professor Prof. Angela Knobel explores Aquinas' teachings on infused virtues and the absence of human rights discussion. Scholars debate deriving human rights from Aquinas' thought and prioritize common good over individual rights. The complexity of balancing individual rights against the greater good is analyzed through examples like torture. Aquinas's views on political prudence and theological basis of human rights are discussed, emphasizing alignment with eternal law and R2 rights within an objective moral order.
Jun 22, 2016 • 1h 10min
Protecting and Taking Human Life | Prof. Edward Feser
Philosopher Prof. Edward Feser discusses Thomas Aquinas's views on punishment, exploring the relationship between pleasure, justice, and human nature. The podcast delves into the justification of the death penalty, debates on abortion morality, and the intricacies of applying proportionality in punishments.
Jun 22, 2016 • 1h 10min
The City of God: Collective Charity in the Church and in Heaven | Fr. Michael Sherwin, OP
Fr. Michael Sherwin, OP, discusses Aquinas' incorporation of Aristotle's ideas on charity and the importance of love in the City of God. They explore fostering unity and virtue in society, overcoming envy through charity, and the role of companionship in achieving happiness in heaven. The podcast also touches on familial Pietas in ancient cultures and Father Sherwin's theological background.
Jun 16, 2016 • 1h 7min
The Nature of Religious Freedom | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP discusses religious freedom in a secular state from a Thomistic perspective. Topics include human freedom, rational perception of the good, ethical vs deviant practices in religious belief, church-state agreements on bishop appointments, and the concept of loving God through natural contemplation.
Jun 8, 2016 • 1h 15min
Faith in Music | Maestro Manfred Honeck
Maestro Manfred Honeck discusses the significance of faith in classical music, exploring the spiritual connection music can evoke. He delves into the intersection of belief and theological faith in performances, reflects on sacred music's ability to create a spiritual space, and analyzes the theological dimensions of Mozart's compositions. The podcast also touches on the influence of faith on composers like Mozart, Faure, and Mahler, highlighting the impact of spirituality on musical masterpieces.
May 17, 2016 • 1h 24min
Can You Believe in the Trinity and Still be a Monotheist? | Prof. Boyd Taylor Coolman
Professor Boyd Taylor Coolman discusses the compatibility of belief in the Trinity with monotheism in Christianity. They delve into the challenges of reconciling the divine nature of Jesus with monotheism and the significance of the Cross. The episode explores the historical context of the Trinity in Christian theology, including key debates from the 4th century. Additionally, it examines the medieval traditions of Franciscan and Dominican theologians on the Trinity.
May 12, 2016 • 1h 39min
The Human Person Today | Prof. Thomas Pfau
Prof. Thomas Pfau discusses love, human agency in T.S. Eliot's work, Descartes' minimalist view of human flourishing, human sexuality, Aquinas' philosophy, character actions in poetry, personhood in relation to technology, historical views of the human person, and character development in academia.
Apr 28, 2016 • 60min
Can Beauty Save the World? Aquinas on Art and Liturgy | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses Aquinas' view on beauty in art and liturgy. They explore beauty's presence in all existence, its connection to love and Christianity, and examples from nature, literature, and music. The podcast also covers the goodness of entities, integrity in nature and art, and the attraction to decay. They delve into spiritually fulfilling art, suffering, and achieving union through love and hardships.
Apr 15, 2016 • 12min
The Social Vision of Leo XIII in the 21st Century Q&A | Prof. Russell Hittinger
Guest Prof. Russell Hittinger delves into institutions, global capitalism, and the role of Pope Francis in navigating complex systems. Topics include distortions in understanding capitalism, historical perceptions, and the unique perspective of Catholic social doctrine in the 21st century.
Apr 15, 2016 • 52min
The Social Vision of Leo XIII in the 21st Century | Prof. Russell Hittinger
Prof. Russell Hittinger discusses Leo XIII's social vision, highlighting the importance of hierarchical complementarity, subsidiarity, and solidarity. They explore the evolution of the concept of common good, anthropological crises, and views on polity, marriage, and church institutions in the 21st century.
