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
Oct 22, 2025 • 58min
Newman and Tolkien: The Humility of (Hi)story – Prof. Giuseppe Pezzini
Prof. Giuseppe Pezzini, an Associate Professor at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, delves into the profound connections between John Henry Newman and J.R.R. Tolkien. He reveals how both figures share an organic view of historical development, addressing themes of nostalgia and progress. Their contrasting perspectives on renewal versus restoration enrich the discussion. Pezzini also highlights Tolkien’s narratives as reflections of modern trauma, drawing insightful parallels between literary motifs and spiritual growth.
Oct 21, 2025 • 37min
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Canticles: Gregorian Chant and the Joy of the Gospel – Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P.
Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P., an Assistant Professor of Theology at Notre Dame and a Dominican priest, explores the profound impact of Gregorian chant on Christian spirituality. He discusses how psalms, hymns, and canticles shape worship and personal faith. The connection between the Psalter and human emotion is highlighted, along with St. Thomas Aquinas's take on chant's role in the Mass. Fr. Innocent also explains how various chants express joy, contrition, and the essence of Eucharistic praise, enriching the faithful's musical experience.
Oct 20, 2025 • 48min
The Incarnation and the Machine: The Visions of Fra Angelico and Le Corbusier – Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy O.P.
Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy O.P. is a Dominican priest and architectural expert, known for blending theology with art. In a captivating discussion, he contrasts Fra Angelico's divine beauty with Le Corbusier's machine-like aesthetics. He explores how the Incarnation reshapes our understanding of art and critiques modern movements for losing spiritual depth. Further, he examines the historical ties between church and art, emphasizing how Fra Angelico's work reveals the presence of Christ, while La Tourette neglects traditional symbolism.
Oct 17, 2025 • 50min
Beyond but Not Against Nature: How Grace Perfects and Transforms Nature – Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.
Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., is a Dominican priest and scholar of Thomistic theology, who delves into the interplay between grace and nature. He discusses how grace perfects and transforms human nature without destroying it. Exploring the concept of obediential potency, he illustrates how our natural capacities are elevated to supernatural ends. Cuddy raises the intriguing paradox of continuity and discontinuity in grace, emphasizing that while it transcends nature, it exists within it, offering profound insights into salvation and the human experience.
Oct 16, 2025 • 47min
How the Highest of the Inanimate Touches the Lowest of the Living: A Contemporary Thomistic Approach – Fr. Thomas Davenport, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Davenport, O.P., a philosophy professor at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, dives into the philosophical boundaries between inanimate and living beings. He discusses Aquinas's views on spontaneous generation and the nuances of spiritual versus material causation. Davenport also critiques modern Thomistic interpretations and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration in refining natural philosophy. He uses fascinating examples like diamonds, water, and colloids to illustrate concepts of structured homogeneity and the complexity of life's emergence.
Oct 15, 2025 • 50min
The Measure of All Things? Rethinking Constants and Replicability in the Life Sciences – Prof. Santiago Schnell
Prof. Santiago Schnell, a prominent mathematical biologist and dean at Notre Dame, discusses critical issues in life sciences measurement and replicability. He emphasizes how precise measurements enhance scientific modeling, drawing on historical examples from Copernicus to Newton. Schnell reveals alarming variability in enzyme kinetics reporting and the importance of replicability as science's gold standard. He advocates for curating better datasets and launching interlaboratory studies to improve measurement practices and collaboration between philosophy and quantitative biology.
Oct 14, 2025 • 41min
The Plasma Membrane: Boundary and Bridge at the Edge of Life – Prof. Keith Kozminski
Keith Kozminski, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia, dives deep into the fascinating world of the plasma membrane. He discusses its role as a boundary and bridge for cellular functions, touching on selective permeability and the structural importance of proteins and lipids. Kozminski explores advanced models of membrane dynamics, highlighting discoveries from super-resolution microscopy that challenge conventional views. His insights connect basic biology with synthetic methodologies, emphasizing the membrane's complexity and crucial functions in living systems.
Oct 10, 2025 • 21min
Thomistic Wisdom for the Pilgrimage to God – Prof. John Cuddeback
Join Professor John A. Cuddeback, a seasoned philosopher at Christendom College, as he explores the profound connection between Thomistic wisdom and our spiritual journey. He emphasizes the importance of making God our ultimate end, advising listeners on how to align their actions with this divine purpose. Cuddeback discusses balancing worldly and spiritual goods, the role of wisdom in creating cosmic order, and practical steps for incorporating prayer and thoughtful action into daily life. Discover how cleaving to God can lead to true fulfillment and peace.
Oct 9, 2025 • 20min
Thomistic Wisdom for the Pilgrimage to God – Prof. Paige Hochschild
Prof. Paige Hochschild, a theology expert from Mount St. Mary's University, delves into Thomistic wisdom and the spiritual journey to God. She discusses the key virtues of patience, hope, and memory required for this pilgrimage. Hochschild highlights how Dante's 'Divine Comedy' illuminates the challenges faced on this path, including the need for purgation and the significance of memory in spiritual fulfillment. She redefines patience as an active, hopeful trust and explores its role in combating fear and guiding desire toward the divine.
Oct 8, 2025 • 48min
Must Beautiful Things be Natural? – Prof. Raymond Hain
Prof. Raymond Hain, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Providence College, dives deep into the intriguing question of whether beauty must be natural. He explores Thomistic metaphysics, comparing the views of Maritain and Gilson on artistic creativity. Hain discusses beauty's connection to form and proportion, using contemporary examples from architecture and literature. He also highlights Tolkien’s tale, revealing the complex relationship between beauty, enchantment, and natural obligations. The discussion intertwines philosophy with practical implications for understanding art and beauty.
