

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 • 53min
Developing Virtue and the Problem of Cooperating with Evil | Fr. Ezra Sullivan, OP
Fr. Ezra Sullivan, OP, discusses the complexities of cooperation with evil, distinguishing between scandal, complicity, and cooperation. He explores Aquinas' views on material and formal cooperation, emphasizing the importance of intention and moral integrity. The podcast delves into moral dilemmas, theological challenges, and the nuances of causality in determining one's involvement in immoral acts.

May 15, 2024 • 1h 3min
Cooperation with Evil and 'Violations of Conscience' | Prof. Christopher Tollefsen
Prof. Tollefsen discusses the conflict between legal mandates and conscientious beliefs, emphasizing the importance of protecting religious liberty. The conversation explores scenarios where individuals may be compelled to act against their beliefs, the challenges institutions face in upholding religious freedom, and the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals when their personal conscience conflicts with legal requirements.

May 14, 2024 • 50min
Creation and the Fall in the Old Testament | Fr. Stephen Ryan, O.P.
Fr. Stephen Ryan, O.P. discusses creation, the Fall in Genesis, and immediate sin in the Old Testament. Topics include God's creative power, Adam and Eve's disobedience, and the path to communion with God through baptism and attentiveness.

May 14, 2024 • 59min
A Closer Look at Intention: What Exactly is the Cooperator Doing? | Msgr. Andrew McLean Cummings
Msgr. Andrew McLean Cummings discusses intention in Catholic moral theology, distinguishing between formal and material cooperation. The debate delves into ethical dilemmas, cooperation in actions contributing to evil outcomes, and the significance of intention and action in moral decision-making.

May 14, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Goodness of God and the Evil in Our World: Aquinas on the Problem of Evil | Prof. Gloria Frost
Professor Gloria Frost, an expert on Aquinas, delves into the existence of evil and God's providence. She explores the philosophical debates on suffering, sin, free will, and the greater good, using real-life examples to illustrate the complex interplay between adversity, moral development, and divine intention.

May 14, 2024 • 53min
On the Isomorphism of Evil Action and Co-action | Prof. Steven Long
Philosophy expert Prof. Steven Long discusses evil operation, co-operation, and human action. He explores Thomas' teachings on intention, object, and end in determining moral goodness. The conversation delves into formal vs. material cooperation with evil, ethical health insurance choices, and support for the common good.

May 14, 2024 • 1h 10min
The Magisterium: What it is and Why it Matters | Prof. Reinhard Huetter
Prof. Reinhard Huetter discusses the role of the Magisterium in the Catholic Church, its importance in defining the Church's identity, historical challenges, levels of assent required for teachings, and the concept of saints in the church. Emphasizes the unity between Vatican II and Council of Trent teachings.

May 14, 2024 • 1h 9min
God on a Cross: The Meaning of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus | Prof. Bruce Marshall
Prof. Bruce Marshall, an expert in theology, explores the Paschal mystery in early Christianity, linking Jesus' death and resurrection to the Passover in Exodus. He delves into the significance of Jesus' sacrifice, the concept of God incarnate, and differing Catholic interpretations of the cross and salvation. The podcast also discusses the theological concept of the cross as satisfaction for wrongdoings, God's response to sin, and the necessity of deep contemplation in understanding these complex theological issues.

May 14, 2024 • 57min
Is It Rational to Believe in Miracles? | Fr. Anselm Ramelow OP
Fr. Anselm Ramelow OP, a Dominican priest, discusses the rationality of believing in miracles. He explores the significance of miracles in Christianity, addresses skepticism towards miracle claims, delves into arguments by philosophers like David Hume, and examines the rationality of belief within scientific and historical contexts.

May 14, 2024 • 1h 7min
On the Christian Moral Revolution | Dr. Remi Brague
Dr. Remi Brague, an expert on Christian moral philosophy, discusses how Christianity introduced a new morality, broadened the concept of 'neighbor,' and challenged societal injustices. The podcast explores Christianity's impact on morality, the recognition of humanity in marginalized groups, and the intersection of science and Christian perspectives on humanity. It also delves into the Christian moral revolution, the concept of secularization, and the influence of Christianity on recognizing the humanity of all individuals.