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
Aug 16, 2024 • 42min
The Desire for Happiness: From a Human Tragedy to a Divine Comedy | Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste, O.P.
Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste, O.P. is a Professor of theology with a rich background in ecclesiology and the moral life. She dives deep into the tension between human desires for happiness and the realities of tragedy, reflecting on original sin and divine mercy. Exploring biblical parables, she contrasts King Ahab's and the rich young man's pursuits, leading to profound insights on true fulfillment. The conversation highlights the interplay of good and evil, illustrating how divine grace constantly seeks to restore humanity's relationship with God.
Aug 15, 2024 • 46min
The Depth of St. John Paul II's Philosophy w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. is known for his roles in Aquinas 101, while Fr. James Brent, O.P. specializes in the philosophy of Christian beliefs. They unpack the significance of St. John Paul II's philosophy, focusing on his key works like 'Person and Act' and 'Love and Responsibility.' The discussion highlights the accessibility of his prepapal writings and explores themes of human dignity and community. They also reflect on the enduring legacy of his papacy amidst the teachings of Vatican II, emphasizing the need for strong communal bonds in challenging times.
Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 10min
The Renewal of Virtue Ethics: the Character of Moral Development | Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P.
Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P., a Professor of Moral Theology and director at the Angelicum, dives deep into the revival of virtue ethics. He discusses the historical influences on moral development, including pivotal events that reshaped societal views. Exploring the relationship between grace, practical reasoning, and moral judgment, he draws parallels between skill mastery and moral growth. Fr. Sherwin emphasizes the intertwining of faith, hope, and love as crucial to character formation, providing a holistic view of ethics grounded in both philosophy and spirituality.
Aug 13, 2024 • 57min
What Wisdom Teaches: St. Catherine of Siena and Infused Virtue in the Christian Life | Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste, O.P.
Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste, O.P., a theology professor at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, dives into the virtues exemplified by St. Catherine of Siena. She explores how St. Catherine's teachings on humility, charity, and patience resonate in today’s world. The discussion emphasizes the importance of these virtues for moral conduct and spiritual growth, addressing contemporary challenges. Sr. Catherine's insights offer a fresh perspective on applying timeless wisdom to modern lives.
Aug 12, 2024 • 38min
The Renewal of Moral Theology: A Tale of Two Freedoms | Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P.
Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P., a noted Professor of Moral Theology and director of the Institute of Spirituality, dives deep into the nuances of freedom in Christianity. He contrasts two types of freedom: the freedom of indifference vs. the freedom for excellence, illustrating how true creativity enriches human experience rather than creates chaos. Fr. Sherwin links mastery to wisdom, emphasizing Christian life as a journey towards fulfilling divine commandments. This exploration underscores the relationship between moral choices and personal happiness.
Aug 9, 2024 • 44min
Is Friendship with a Simple God Possible? | Sr. Anna Wray, O.P.
Sr. Anna Wray, O.P., a member of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia and a philosophy PhD, delves into the intriguing concept of friendship with a simple God. She explores philosophical insights from St. Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle, tackling the complexities of divine relationships. The discussion highlights the nature of friendship and divine activity, questioning the feasibility of such connections in light of theological challenges. Expect a thought-provoking journey that intertwines philosophy and spirituality!
Aug 8, 2024 • 52min
Is AI Sentient? | Prof. Jordan Wales
In this engaging discussion, Jordan Wales, an Associate Professor of Theology at Hillsdale College, dives deep into the world of artificial intelligence. He explores the emotional connections humans form with AI and raises pivotal ethical questions about its potential personhood. The conversation traverses the evolution from symbolic to neural network-based AI, scrutinizes the implications of humanoid AIs, and contrasts theological concepts of the Trinity with modern understandings of personhood. Wales emphasizes the need for empathy in our interactions with AI.
Aug 7, 2024 • 35min
Divine Simplicity and Identity | Prof. Jeffrey Brower
Join Professor Jeffrey Brower, a Purdue University Philosophy expert in medieval thought, as he unravels the intriguing concept of divine simplicity. He tackles how God can embody His own properties while remaining fundamentally simple. Hear him respond to contemporary philosophical challenges regarding God's identity and delve into the insights of historical figures like Augustine and Aquinas. The discussion also explores the role of truth makers in theology, elaborating on how God simplifies complex predications and clarifies divine attributes.
6 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 57min
Divine Simplicity and Divine Freedom | Prof. W. Matthews Grant
W. Matthews Grant, Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas, dives deep into the intricate relationship between divine simplicity and freedom. He discusses how God can create freely and explores the concept of possible worlds, showcasing alternative realities God might have chosen. The dialogue takes a philosophical turn as Grant examines Aquinas's insights on divine nature and the implications for God's creative will. He also critiques interpretations of divine identity and the active vs. passive creation debate, offering fresh perspectives on these timeless theological discussions.
Aug 5, 2024 • 57min
Aquinas on Participation and Divine Simplicity | Prof. Gregory Doolan
Gregory Doolan, a philosopher with a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America, delves into Aquinas' thoughts on divine simplicity and participation. He explains how divine simplicity is a key attribute of God, shaping the philosophical understanding of the divine. Doolan also highlights the importance of participation in recognizing the relationship between God and creation. His insights bridge complex metaphysical ideas, making them accessible and relevant to contemporary discussions about the nature of existence.
