The Thomistic Institute

Christopher Baglow, a Professor of Theology and Director of the Science and Religion Initiative at Notre Dame, discusses the historical conflict between science and Christianity, particularly within Catholicism. He highlights misconceptions among young Catholics and advocates for a harmonious relationship informed by St. Thomas Aquinas. Baglow explores St. Augustine’s views on creation, emphasizing the compatibility of evolution with Catholic beliefs. He also critiques anti-Catholic sentiments and promotes scientific literacy in faith communities, illustrating a path toward cooperation between science and religion.

Professor Joshua Hochschild explores Aquinas's understanding of analogy in relation to divine simplicity, distinguishing between analogy as a likeness between things and analogy as a relation between the significations of terms, and argues that the former, rather than the latter, is more fundamental to addressing the challenges posed by divine simplicity.This lecture was given on May 31st, 2024, at Mount Saint Mary College.For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events.About the Speaker:Joshua Hochschild is Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University, where he also served six years as the inaugural Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. His primary research is in medieval logic, metaphysics, and ethics, with broad interest in liberal education and the continuing relevance of the Catholic intellectual tradition. He is the author of The Semantics of Analogy: Rereading Cajetan’s De Nominum Analogia (2010), translator of Claude Panaccio’s Mental Language: From Plato to William of Ockham (2017), and co-author of A Mind at Peace: Reclaiming an Ordered Soul in the Age of Distraction (2017). His writing has appeared in First Things, Commonweal, Modern Age and the Wall Street Journal. For 2020-21 he served as President of the American Catholic Philosophical Association.Keywords: Analogy, Aristotle, Divine Simplicity, Language, Meaning, Metaphysics, Proportionality, Semantics, Theology

In this engaging discussion, Joseph Trabbic, an associate professor at Ave Maria University with expertise in metaphysics and philosophy of religion, explores whether belief in God is rational. He contrasts knowledge and belief, examining how faith can be shaped by both reason and divine grace. Trabbic delves into the nature of God as the uncreated source of existence and discusses the philosophical arguments supporting the Christian understanding of God and the Trinity, making complex concepts accessible and thought-provoking.

In this enlightening talk, Thomas Hibbs, J. Newton Rayzor Sr. Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, dives into the essence of beauty and its role in transforming our moral lives. He discusses Iris Murdoch's idea of 'unselfing' through beauty, highlighting its power to connect us to others amid a self-absorbed culture shaped by social media. Hibbs also emphasizes how film can enhance philosophical understanding, showcasing its emotional resonance. Personal character in education, inspired by Aquinas, rounds off the discussion's rich exploration of beauty's significance.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. engages with Prof. Therese Cory, a Thomistic studies expert from Notre Dame, on the human desire for knowledge. They discuss the vital role of wonder in philosophy and the need for meaningful discourse in education. Cory emphasizes the shift in students' perspectives on truth, urging educators to foster deeper understanding. The conversation also highlights the importance of respectful, face-to-face dialogue, especially for Generation Z, to revitalize philosophical inquiry. Tune in for insights on navigating the complexities of modern knowledge!

Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P., a Dominican Friar and philosophy professor, delves into the evolution of fantasy literature, highlighting its darker grimdark subgenre. He compares Tolkien's noble narratives with George R.R. Martin's morally complex storytelling. The discussion explores Thomistic thought, examining truth and goodness within these works. Fr. Reese also articulates the doctrine of transcendentals, shedding light on their unity and significance in literature. Ultimately, he critiques the orientation of grimdark fantasy in relation to higher spiritual truths.

Thomas Hibbs, a renowned philosophy professor and author, explores profound themes in contemporary film. He critiques the representation of death and suffering in media, using clips from movies like 'Gravity.' Hibbs contrasts philosophical perspectives on mortality and discusses violence, morality, and courage in films such as 'The Hunger Games.' He examines love, sacrifice, and storytelling, emphasizing emotional depth through children's eyes. Additionally, he highlights the healing power of friendship in grief, showing how true companionship eases the burden of loss.

Michael Gorman, a distinguished professor of philosophy at The Catholic University of America, dives deep into the Christological debates surrounding Christ's dual nature. He explores the intricacies of personhood in relation to Christ's assumed human nature versus his divine essence. Gorman references key insights from theologians like Scotus and Aquinas, unraveling the complexities of independence and dependency in understanding Christ's identity. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on how these theological arguments shape our understanding of human nature and ethics.

Fr. Raphael Mary Salzillo, O.P., a Dominican friar and philosophy teacher, dives deep into the essence of meaning in life. He explores the contrast between everyday activities and overarching purpose, delving into philosophical questions of self-awareness and absurdity. Engaging with concepts from The Matrix and Nozick's thought experiment, he highlights the significance of authentic experiences. Fr. Salzillo emphasizes that true fulfillment stems from recognizing God as the ultimate good, intertwining happiness with profound purpose even in suffering.

Kevin Hart, the Edwin B. Kyle Professor of Christian Theology at the University of Virginia, delves into the profound significance of the Imago Dei in early Christian thought. He examines St. Augustine's reflections on humanity's divine image and how it has shaped identity throughout history. The discussion highlights contributions from early theologians like Origen and Paul, exploring themes of divine knowledge, intellect, love, and morality in our relationship with God. Hart invites listeners to consider how these ideas resonate in contemporary spirituality.