The Thomistic Institute

Prof. Patrick Callahan discusses Thomas Aquinas' views on the human soul and virtues, exploring the four cardinal virtues and causes of excellence. He emphasizes the interconnected nature of the virtues, focusing on temperance and justice, and their importance for personal growth and success.

Prof. Adam Eitel discusses charity and friendship, emphasizing charity as the ultimate form of friendship focused on loving others for their own sake and centered on the love of God.

Neurologist Dr. Paul LaPenna discusses the intersection between neuroscience and religious beliefs, historical advancements in science, Cartesian dualism, limitations of physicalism, and the concept of soul as the form actualizing potential in living beings. He emphasizes the unity of body and soul as a unique aspect of human beings.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Prof. Eleonore Stump discuss the link between suffering and human flourishing, the role of stories in understanding life's arcs, and virtues like love and patience in connecting with God. They explore the impact of the Thomistic Institute in preserving Christian knowledge and delve into the significance of dependence on God and community for human well-being.

Fr. Stephen Brock, an expert in Medieval Philosophy, discusses the concept of free will, critiquing experiments on determinism, exploring external influences on choices, and delving into St. Thomas' views on moral decision-making. The podcast also examines the complexity of free will in choosing between good and evil, even in a sinless environment like heaven.

Philosophy professor V. Bradley Lewis discusses the evolution of natural rights, exploring topics such as the transition from natural law, distinctions between natural and legal rights, and Aquinas' perspective on deriving rights from duties within the framework of natural law.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., discusses predestination in Catholic theology, emphasizing God's foreknowledge and human agency. The podcast explores divine providence, God's guidance without altering Himself, and human participation in sharing God's life. It also delves into divine generosity, human freedom, and aligning with God's will for salvation.

Sr. Anna Wray, O.P., a Dominican Sister with a PhD in philosophy, explores the purpose, mechanisms, and effects of fear in the human heart. Drawing on historical examples and Thomistic teachings, she discusses strategies for understanding and overcoming fear, contrasting with stoicism and emphasizing the importance of positive intentions and actions.

Fr. John Baptist Ku, O.P., a Dominican priest with a rich background in both software design and theology, discusses the profound concept of the Trinity's indwelling in our souls. He humorously contrasts God's unchanging perfection with our human nature. Delving into the divine relationships, he explains the distinct essences within the Trinity and how they shape our understanding of grace. Fr. Ku also explores the themes of knowledge and love, revealing how these divine interactions can deepen our connection with God.

This lecture was given on February 1st, 2024, at University of Oregon.For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-eventsAbout 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.