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
Nov 7, 2025 • 42min
Astrology: Why Did Medieval Philosophers Study It? – Fr. Ambrose Little, O.P.
Fr. Ambrose Little, a Dominican priest and director of the Thomistic Institute, dives into the fascinating world of medieval astrology. He explains how medieval philosophers viewed astrology as a legitimate branch of natural philosophy intertwined with science. Ambrose contrasts ancient beliefs with modern views, highlighting how astrology was seen as a means to study celestial influences on earthly matters. He discusses St. Augustine’s critiques, the role of free will, and warns against the dangers of demonic deception in divination, ultimately asserting that astrology lacks scientific validity today.
Nov 6, 2025 • 42min
Theology True Science of God or Poetical Musing – Prof. Christopher Malloy
Christopher J. Malloy, a Professor and Chair of Theology at the University of Dallas, explores theology as a classical science grounded in faith. He tackles objections that view theology as merely poetic or lacking in precision. Using Aquinas's insights, he argues for a blend of faith and intellectual rigor, showcasing how believers can attain deeper understanding through revealed principles. Malloy underscores that true theological statements enhance clarity while still embracing the beauty of narrative, leading to a richer union with God.
Nov 5, 2025 • 20min
How to Know God? Philosophical Wisdom and Divine Revelation – Prof. Michael Dauphinais
Prof. Michael A. Dauphinais, a prominent theologian and expert on Thomas Aquinas, delves into the interplay between philosophical wisdom and divine revelation. He discusses Aquinas's reasoning from effects to causes, emphasizing that human reason alone is inadequate. Dauphinais addresses idolatry's role in distorting knowledge of God and articulates sacred doctrina's importance. He posits that the incarnation is the peak of divine communication, bridging study and spiritual union, while explaining how the Son and Spirit cultivate wisdom and charity.
Nov 4, 2025 • 45min
Nicene Trinity, Chalcedonian Christology: Understanding Christ through Councils and Conflicts – Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., a dogmatic and moral theology instructor, explores Nicene Trinitarian theology and Chalcedonian Christology. He discusses why councils are vital for clarifying God's nature and safeguarding salvation from heresies. Fr. Pine introduces the concept of Christ as the exemplar of divine union, emphasizing humanity's call to know and love God. He highlights the significance of Christ's full assumption of human nature and the profound connection between salvation and the sacraments, demonstrating that true salvation transforms rather than merely provides juridical gifts.
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
Thomas Aquinas on Intellectual Memory – Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P.
Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P., a Dominican friar and philosophy professor at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas, delves into Thomas Aquinas’s theory of intellectual memory. He navigates the conflicts among key philosophical authorities, especially Aristotle and Avicenna, discussing their differing views on memory. The conversation explores how Aquinas defends the preservation of intelligible species and differentiates between sensitive and intellective memory, ultimately favoring Augustine's broad definitions over Avicenna's. A fascinating journey into the intricacies of philosophical thought!
Oct 31, 2025 • 59min
Augustine's Account of Trinitarian Image and Thomas Aquinas – Fr. Reginald Lynch, O.P.
Fr. Reginald Lynch, O.P., a Dominican priest and expert in medieval theology, delves into Augustine's influential work, *De Trinitate*, and its impact on Thomas Aquinas. He highlights how Augustine's intellectual journey fosters a transformative relationship with God. The discussion covers the role of grace in shaping human nature, the reception of Augustine by medieval thinkers, and Aquinas's insights on divine likeness. Lynch further clarifies complex theological distinctions about grace, sacramental character, and the human quest for ultimate truth.
Oct 29, 2025 • 51min
In the Beginning Was the Word: Augustine, Aristotle, and Aquinas – Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., a Dominican priest and scholar in Thomistic theology, delves into the evolution of the concept of the Word through Augustine, Aristotle, and Aquinas. He discusses Augustine's analogy of the human mind for understanding the Trinity and how his illumination theory incorporates Aristotelian elements. Legge explores Aquinas's philosophical refinement of the notion of 'Word,' distinguishing between intelligible species and the interior word produced by understanding. This conversation bridges human cognition with Trinitarian theology.
Oct 27, 2025 • 21min
Memory, Intellect, and Will: The 13th Century Reception of Augustine – Dr. Albert von Thurn und Taxis
Dr. Albert von Thurn und Taxis, the twelfth Prince of Thurn und Taxis, dives into the complexities of Augustine's ideas on memory, intellect, and will as received in the 13th century. He discusses the tension between Augustinian and Aristotelian views, exploring Augustine's influence and his unified model of the rational soul. The conversation highlights the rich debates surrounding the nature of the soul, memory's rationality, and the interplay between intellect and will, providing a fascinating glimpse into medieval philosophy.
Oct 24, 2025 • 48min
Catholic Culture with Tolkien – Prof. Patrick Callahan
Prof. Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture, dives into the rich tapestry of Catholic culture through the lens of J.R.R. Tolkien. He explores how the Mass shapes Christian identity and the importance of tradition as a living, communal practice. Callahan critiques modern hyper-individualism and cultural standardization, highlighting Tolkien’s resistance to these trends. He emphasizes that engagement with secular culture can coexist with a strong Catholic identity, inspiring listeners to reflect on their own cultural responsibilities.
Oct 23, 2025 • 45min
Flannery O'Connor and the Perils of Governing By Tenderness – Dr. Jerome Foss
Dr. Jerome C. Foss, a scholar of Catholic political thought, explores Flannery O'Connor's unique approach to art and morality. He warns against governing by abstract tenderness, advocating for a faith-rooted realism. Foss delves into O'Connor's life and writing, revealing her belief that art should enhance moral vision. He analyzes her stories, showing how characters balance physical and moral sight, and how storytelling fosters a deeper understanding of reality. Ultimately, he highlights the transformative power of suffering and sacramental grace in O'Connor's worldview.
