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
May 15, 2024 • 1h 10min
Hylomorphism and the New Mechanist Philosophy of Neuroscience | Dr. Daniel De Haan
Dr. Daniel De Haan discusses integrating existential, practical, and theoretical inquiries in philosophical anthropology. He explores the historical evolution of brain science and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in science and research fields. Debates in cognitive science and neuroscience are also explored, highlighting the challenges in updating scientific conceptual frameworks.
May 15, 2024 • 57min
Soul, Mind and Personhood in Modern Biology | Dr. Stephen Meredith
Dr. Stephen Meredith discusses the transition from vitalism to mechanistic views in biology, explores Latin vital and formal causes, delves into defining the soul, identity, and personhood, and discusses medical ethics and philosophical concepts within the context of Thomas Aquinas' arguments.
May 15, 2024 • 1h 1min
Thomistic Objections against Evolution: Returning to First Principles | Dr. Brian Carl
Dr. Brian Carl, an expert in Thomistic philosophy, explores the compatibility of Thomistic views with evolution. Topics include objections to common descent, Aristotle and St. Thomas' views on reproduction, imperfect species formation, metaphysical principles in evolution, and the implications of hybrid animals.
May 15, 2024 • 56min
Aquinas After Darwin: Disputed Questions Raised by Evolutionary Theory | Fr. Nicanor Austriaco OP
Fr. Nicanor Austriaco OP, a theologian and scientist, discusses integrating science, philosophy, and theology. Topics include snakes' evolution from lizards, divine causality in evolution, human inclinations, research on yeast and protein aggregates, and the interplay between evolution and special creation.
May 15, 2024 • 1h 17min
Exoplanets and Extraterrestrials | Dr. Karin Oberg
Dr. Karin Oberg discusses exoplanets, habitable zones, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The podcast explores theological implications, the uniqueness of our solar system, and the challenges in detecting intelligent life. Topics include water as a solvent for life, the origins of life on Earth, and theories on advanced alien civilizations harnessing energy for expansion.
May 15, 2024 • 38min
Creation and the Fall in the New Testament | Fr. Stephen Ryan, O.P.
Fr. Stephen Ryan, O.P. discusses the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, Christ's defeat of death, and the transformative power of being in Christ as a new creation. The podcast explores connections between the Old and New Testaments, Christ as the divine Word, and the concept of new creation in the Bible. It also delves into the Doctrine of Original Sin in St. Paul's letters, contrasting Paul's teachings with the Old Testament focus on sin in Israel.
May 15, 2024 • 59min
Fr. Thomas Davenport OP - “Physics: Ancient, Classical, and Modern”
Fr. Thomas Davenport OP, a physics expert, discusses the intersection of ancient philosophy and modern physics. Topics include Aristotle's influence on natural phenomena explanations, Descartes' geometry problem, Newton's views on atomic composition, evolution of physics towards dynamic particles, teleology in modern physics, determinism versus probabilistic approaches, and the relevance of Aristotelian principles in contemporary physics.
May 15, 2024 • 1h 4min
Dr. Stephen Barr - “Contemporary Science-Religion Issues: The Relevance of St. Thomas & Aristotle"
Dr. Stephen Barr discusses the relevance of St. Thomas & Aristotle in science-religion issues. Topics include God's existence, creation, miracles, evolution, free will, relationship between science and religion, simplifying philosophy/theology, reconciling modern physics with Aristotelian philosophy, and debates on ultimate reality and evolutionary biology.
May 15, 2024 • 1h 5min
Providence, Prayer and Science | Fr. Michael Dodds OP
Fr. Michael Dodds OP discusses Providence, Prayer, and Science, exploring the clash between traditional beliefs and scientific approaches. He delves into hylomorphism, substantial changes in substances, and the role of God's action in theology. The podcast compares medieval and contemporary views on causality, emphasizing divine providence in the modern world.
May 15, 2024 • 53min
America's Three Worldviews | Ross Douthat
Political commentator and author Ross Douthat discusses the three main worldviews in American society, including secular but spiritual individuals, seekers of personal encounters with God, and traditionalists. The podcast explores the decline in church attendance among mainline denominations and societal shifts in relation to religious dynamics. Douthat also delves into the integration of religiosity into secular environments to find common ground and meaning in a disenchanted age.
