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
7 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 42min
Should Catholics Run (Away) From Secular Politics? | Fr. John Harris, O.P.
Fr. John Harris, O.P., the Prior Provincial for the Dominican Province of Ireland, dives into the Catholic approach to secular politics grounded in Thomistic principles. He discusses the vital role of lay Catholics in governance and advocates for their active participation in society. The conversation explores the balance between natural and supernatural ends in politics, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human happiness and divine union. Fr. Harris also addresses how faith should inform the political sphere while encouraging Christians to uphold ethical principles amidst modern challenges.
Apr 7, 2025 • 57min
A Neurologist's Reflections on Human Dignity and Suffering | Dr. Paul LaPenna
Dr. Paul LaPenna, a neurologist and professor in South Carolina, dives into the profound relationship between healthcare, suffering, and human dignity. He discusses virtues essential in medical ethics, emphasizing compassion and self-sacrificial love when treating patients. LaPenna explores how suffering can be transformative, fostering spiritual growth and resilience. He also highlights the importance of integrating faith into healthcare, advocating for support and compassion for marginalized individuals, especially in challenging times.
Apr 4, 2025 • 46min
Famine, Affluence, and Aquinas | Prof. Marshall Bierson
Marshall Bierson, a philosophy professor with a keen interest in ethics and personal nature, dives into the moral complexities of theft and property rights influenced by Aquinas and Anscombe. He argues that in extreme situations, taking from others may not always be theft, opening up a nuanced discussion on moral absolutism. Bierson also examines Aquinas's views on wealth distribution, emphasizing the obligation of the affluent to assist the needy, challenging listeners to reconsider their perceptions of justice and ownership.
Apr 3, 2025 • 53min
Making Up What is Lacking: Disability and Suffering in Christ's Body, the Church | Prof. Paul Gondreau
Prof. Paul Gondreau, a theology professor at Providence College, explores the themes of suffering and disability in the context of Christ’s redemptive suffering. He emphasizes that shared vulnerability can cultivate empathy and unity within the Church. The discussion includes personal anecdotes, such as a touching story of a family's encounter with Pope Francis. Additionally, Gondreau illustrates the transformative power of suffering and its connection to hope, healing, and the promise of resurrection, ultimately portraying vulnerability as a source of holiness.
Apr 2, 2025 • 53min
Ectogenesis: Transhumanism, The Brave New World, and the Attack on Transcendentals | Prof. Stephen Meredith
Prof. Stephen Meredith, a distinguished scholar from the University of Chicago, dives into the essence of humanity through Aristotelian and Thomistic perspectives. He challenges biological definitions and discusses the critical role of the soul in understanding existence. Meredith explores transhumanism's implications, contrasting it with Aldous Huxley's warning in 'Brave New World.' He critiques the historical notion of the homunculus and reflects on the theological dimensions of ectogenesis, stressing the vital connection between body and soul in defining human dignity.
12 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 53min
Can Machines be People, Too? | Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Fr. Anselm Ramelow, a professor of philosophy at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, dives into the intriguing question of whether machines can possess personhood. He argues that true consciousness, unity, and desire are inherently human qualities that machines lack. The discussion touches on the complexities of human experience, the philosophy of technology, and contrasts human understanding with machine processing. By examining intentionality and the uniqueness of human thought, Fr. Ramelow emphasizes the profound distinctions between artificial intelligence and genuine human intellect.
6 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 41min
Reconciling the Image of God with the Scientific Image of Human Persons | Dr. Daniel De Haan
Dr. Daniel De Haan, a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, dives into the captivating intersection of theology, philosophy, and neuroscience. He explores profound questions about human nature, the implications of scientific interpretations on the divine image, and the challenges of modern society's secular worldview. De Haan emphasizes the reconciliation of faith and reason, proposing that they work together in the pursuit of truth. His insights on how technology influences our understanding of existence add a contemporary twist to these deep philosophical discussions.
Mar 28, 2025 • 53min
Sharing in Divine Goodness by Grace | Fr. John Mark Solitario, O.P.
Fr. John Mark Solitario, O.P., a dynamic campus outreach coordinator at the Thomistic Institute, shares profound insights on grace and its role in our spiritual journeys. He discusses the rich young man's quest for eternal life, emphasizing the challenges wealth poses to faith. Personal stories illustrate the transformative power of grace in community service and friendships. Fr. Solitario further explores how divine goodness leads to true happiness, inviting listeners to reflect on their paths toward a deeper relationship with God.
Mar 27, 2025 • 41min
What Exactly Is the Hypostatic Union? | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., serves as the Director of the Thomistic Institute and is a recognized scholar in Systematic Theology. In this engaging conversation, he delves into the complex concept of the hypostatic union, explaining how Christ embodies both divine and human natures. Legge also addresses various Christological heresies, emphasizing the importance of Aquinas's interpretations for maintaining Christian doctrine. His insights clarify the intricate relationship between Christ’s natures and the ramifications of misunderstandings in theology.
Mar 26, 2025 • 38min
The Life-Giving Appropriation of the Flesh: St. Cyril of Alexandria on the Unity of Christ | Prof. Paul Gavrilyuk
Professor Paul Gavrilyuk dives into St. Cyril of Alexandria's intriguing Christology, illuminating the complex relationship between divine majesty and human lowliness. He discusses the significance of the hypostatic union amidst the Nestorian controversy. His insights reveal how Cyril's thoughts shaped early Christian doctrine and continue to influence modern ecumenical dialogue. Gavrilyuk's expertise sheds light on the mystery of Christ's incarnation and its profound implications for sacramental life and salvation.
