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
Oct 29, 2024 • 45min
Tolkein's Philosophy | Prof. Robert Koons
Robert Koons, a philosophy professor at the University of Texas at Austin, delves into J.R.R. Tolkien's philosophical influences. He discusses how the Inklings and Owen Barfield shaped Tolkien's Christianized Aristotelian thought. The conversation touches on themes of goodness, evil, and divine providence in 'The Lord of the Rings.' Koons also explores the impact of Tolkien's work on modern culture, its ecological and spiritual implications, and critiques of literary adaptations. The discussion highlights Tolkien's dual legacy in philosophy and society.
Oct 28, 2024 • 37min
Flannery O'Connor and St. Thomas Aquinas on the Future of Catholic Fiction | Prof. Patrick Callahan
Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture, discusses Flannery O'Connor's unique literary path influenced by her Southern upbringing and struggles with lupus. He reveals her dual identity as a 'hillbilly Thomist,' highlighting the impact of St. Thomas Aquinas on her beliefs and writing. The conversation dives into Aquinas's philosophy of beauty and the practical intellect, as well as O'Connor's complex style that challenges idealism, offering a rich examination of authenticity in art.
Oct 25, 2024 • 52min
Exploring Finitude: Weakness, Suffering, and Faith in Isaac of Nineveh | Dr. Valentina Duca
Valentina Duca, a postdoctoral researcher specializing in 7-8th century East-Syriac mysticism, dives into the life of Isaac of Nineveh, a pivotal 7th-century monk. They discuss how suffering and human weakness are essential in the spiritual journey, transforming personal struggles into paths towards deeper faith. Duca highlights Isaac's teachings on 'bearing' life's challenges, merging monastic wisdom with modern psychological insights. She also emphasizes compassion and the significance of recognizing our limitations in deepening our relationship with the divine.
Oct 24, 2024 • 45min
Why the Demons Fell | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Explore the intriguing role of angels and demons in Catholic theology, revealing their connection to God's nature. Discover the parallels between the fall of angels and humanity, shedding light on moral choices and responsibilities. Dive into Dante's vision of spiritual sins like pride and envy, and the importance of classic texts in personal reflection. Embrace the uniqueness of your journey through divine love, and understand how God's grace transforms lives, encouraging spiritual growth and the release of anxiety.
Oct 23, 2024 • 1h 21min
Why Does God Allow Us to Suffer? | Sr. Jane Dominic Laurel, O.P.
In this enlightening discussion, Sr. Jane Dominic Laurel, a Dominican Sister and theology professor, delves into the complexities of suffering and its role in the human experience. She reflects on how the pursuit of transient joys often leads to emptiness, while embracing suffering can foster authenticity and deeper connections. Through personal stories, she illustrates how faith can transform the challenges of parenting and health crises into profound spiritual growth, encouraging listeners to see suffering as an invitation to encounter God.
Oct 22, 2024 • 43min
How Could a Good God Allow Evil? | Prof. Rik Van Nieuwenhove
In this insightful discussion, Rik Van Nieuwenhove, a distinguished professor at Trinity College Dublin, navigates the complex issue of evil in a world ruled by a good God. He examines the Thomistic perspective on divine providence, emphasizing the distinction between moral and natural evil. Rik passionately argues that suffering is not only a consequence of sin but can also serve a medicinal purpose, fostering spiritual growth. He invites listeners to reconsider how evil might play a role in a greater divine plan, enriching their understanding of faith.
Oct 21, 2024 • 42min
Affliction, Sorrow and Human Flourishing | Prof. Thomas Hibbs
In this engaging discussion, Thomas Hibbs, a distinguished philosopher and author from Baylor University, dives into the profound connections between happiness, sorrow, and human flourishing as articulated by Aquinas and Aristotle. He argues that true happiness comes from the pursuit of our potential rather than passive contentment. Hibbs also explores how mastering skills in areas like sports and music fosters moral growth and emphasizes the importance of understanding sorrow to cultivate virtue and enrich our human experience.
Oct 18, 2024 • 51min
Thomas Aquinas on Peace: Part Two | Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.
Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., a Dominican priest and expert on the Thomist Tradition, dives deep into Thomas Aquinas's views on peace and war. He explores the intertwining paths of human desires for goodness and the conflicts that arise from them. Cuddy highlights Aquinas's moral perspective, emphasizing peace as a state achieved when rational beings align with their true good. The discussion also reveals how conflicting desires can disrupt individual and societal harmony, shedding light on the philosophical essence of true peace.
Oct 17, 2024 • 42min
Contemporary Papal Teaching on the Moral Problem of War | Dr. Gregory M. Reichberg
Dr. Gregory M. Reichberg, a Research Professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo and an expert in military ethics and AI in conflict, shares his insights on the moral complexities of war. He discusses the historical evolution of just war doctrine within the Catholic Church, highlighting debates around pacifism and contemporary papal teachings. Reichberg emphasizes Pope Francis's cautious stance on humanitarian interventions and advocates for a deeper reevaluation of moral implications in modern warfare, linking tradition with today's global conflicts.
Oct 16, 2024 • 46min
Thomas Aquinas on War | Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.
Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., a Dominican priest and scholar on Aquinas, delves into the moral nuances of just war theory. He explains how Aquinas views peace as more than the absence of conflict, emphasizing the importance of justice and charity in warfare. The discussion touches on the moral criteria for declaring war and the need for virtuous intentions. Fr. Cuddy highlights that military actions should align with moral virtue to achieve a greater good, ultimately guiding us toward lasting peace.
