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
8 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 58min
Aquinas on the Question: 'Whether God Exists?' | Prof. Gregory Doolan
Prof. Gregory Doolan, a philosopher and expert on Aquinas, dives deep into the intricacies of St. Thomas Aquinas' proofs for God's existence. He explores Aquinas' Five Ways, shedding light on the difference between knowing God exists and understanding His essence. Doolan clarifies common misconceptions about philosophical proof versus individual faith. Rich discussions on proctor quid and quia demonstrations reveal how effects lead to causes, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
17 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 44min
Revisiting Aquinas' Five Ways w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., Prof. Robert Koons, & Prof. Daniel Bonevac
Join Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., a philosopher and theologian, alongside Professors Robert Koons and Daniel Bonevac, both experts in metaphysics and logic. They dive into the contemporary significance of Aquinas' Five Ways, discussing common misconceptions about motion and causality. The guests challenge mechanical views of time, emphasizing a metaphysical First Mover. They also explore God's simplicity and the relevance of Aquinas' thought today, highlighting the dynamic interplay between philosophy and theology.
4 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 46min
Is it Rational to Believe in God? | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., a Dominican priest and adjunct professor of dogmatic theology, dives deep into the relationship between faith and rationality. He discusses how modern society grapples with belief amidst existentialist ideas, examining the role of trust and knowledge. Fr. Pine emphasizes the distinction between natural and supernatural faith and highlights how genuine fulfillment derives from a relationship with God. He elaborates on Aquinas's philosophical arguments for God's existence, presenting faith as a logical response to our reality.
Jul 30, 2024 • 53min
Does Truth Change? John Henry Newman’s Theory of Doctrinal Development | Prof. Chad Pecknold
Prof. Chad Pecknold, a leading Catholic theologian from The Catholic University of America, dives deep into John Henry Newman's theory of doctrinal development. He discusses Newman's transformative journey from skepticism to Catholicism, shedding light on his seven tests for evaluating truth. Pecknold emphasizes the delicate balance between preserving core beliefs and allowing for the growth of doctrine. Through historical examples, he shows how the Church maintains continuity while adapting its teachings in response to evolving understanding.
Jul 29, 2024 • 57min
Extraterrestrial Life and Catholic Theology | Prof. Chris Baglow
Prof. Chris Baglow, a theologian and director at Notre Dame's Science and Religion Initiative, engages in a riveting conversation about extraterrestrial life and Catholic theology. He discusses the implications of rational beings and their potential relationship with divine salvation. Baglow explores how the discovery of intelligent life could reflect human experiences of revelation and virtue. He also delves into the idea of multiple incarnations and the interconnectedness of creation through divine grace.
Jul 26, 2024 • 60min
The Science and Ethics of CRISPR and CRISPR-Inspired Gene Editing | Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P.
Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., discusses the science and ethics of CRISPR gene editing, yeast-based vaccines for COVID-19, and challenges of setting up a lab in the Philippines. Topics include mitochondrial genome inheritance, CRISPR technology, therapeutic enhancements, cultural differences in decision-making, and the significance of human dignity in ethical discussions.
Jul 25, 2024 • 48min
Overcoming the Science and Religion Divide | Prof. Karin Öberg
Prof. Karin Öberg, Harvard Professor of Astronomy, discusses astrochemistry and its impact on planet formation. The podcast explores the importance of scientific advancements in benefiting humanity, the evolution of cosmology, and the intersection of science and religion, including discussions on scientific theories of miracles.
Jul 24, 2024 • 36min
ChatGPT and the Foolishness of Speech | Prof. Jane Sloan Peters
Prof. Jane Sloan Peters discusses AI ChatGPT from a Thomistic perspective, comparing human intelligence and AI speech. The podcast explores ChatGPT's language understanding, Aquinas' views on human speech, and the ethical implications of using AI in academia. Aquinas' comparison of human and divine speech is also analyzed, emphasizing the role of human communication in deepening one's connection with God.
Jul 23, 2024 • 51min
Theistic Evolution: A Contemporary Thomistic Perspective | Fr. Mariusz Tabaczek, O.P.
Fr. Mariusz Tabaczek, O.P., discusses theistic evolution from a Thomistic perspective, exploring topics like species definition, goal-directedness in evolution, the compatibility of evolution with philosophy and theology, teleology in evolution, and the role of chance and purpose in evolutionary processes.
Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Church and Modern Science | Prof. Christopher Baglow
Professor Christopher Baglow, Director of the Science and Religion Initiative at Notre Dame, discusses the Church's view on modern science. He explores the historical conflict model between faith and science, trends impacting the Church's relation to science, and the intersection of science, faith, and reason in Catholic tradition. The discussion also delves into Catholic perspectives on natural phenomena and the concept of miracles within the laws of nature.
