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
Apr 24, 2024 • 35min
Human Freedom and Divine Grace | Prof. Sarah Byers
Prof. Sarah Byers discusses Augustine's views on divine grace shaping behavior, human rationality, formation of impressions, habits in decision-making, prevenient grace initiating good actions, and early modern debates on grace and free will.
Apr 24, 2024 • 58min
The Catholic Who Invented Human Rights: Francisco de Vitoria and Human Rights | Dr. Joseph Capizzi
Dr. Joseph Capizzi delves into Francisco de Vitoria's impact on human rights, challenging views on their origins. They discuss Vitoria's defense of indigenous rights, his theological views on evangelization, and the evolution of historical arguments over time, highlighting Vitoria's philosophy on personhood and governance.
Apr 24, 2024 • 50min
The Middle Ages: Dark Ages of Backwardness, Age of Catholic Harmony, or Neither? | Dr. Brad Gregory
Dr. Brad Gregory, a historian specializing in the Middle Ages, challenges misconceptions about this era, highlighting the technological advancements, economic changes, and decentralized nature of human life. He explores the relationship between religion and science in the medieval period, reevaluates the golden age versus the challenges faced, and stresses the importance of nuanced perspectives in historical narratives.
Apr 24, 2024 • 47min
Is Belief in God Rational? | Fr. Raymund Snyder OP
Fr. Raymund Snyder OP, a Dominican priest, delves into the rationality of belief in God by exploring the relationship between reasoning and rationality, debunking misconceptions about Aquinas' proofs for God's existence, and discussing the harmonious relationship between faith and reason.
Apr 24, 2024 • 59min
Dr. Therese Cory- "Masters, Parasites, or Gardeners? Thomistic Reflections on Environmental Ethics"
Dr. Therese Cory discusses Aquinas' perspective on environmental ethics, advocating for humans to be gardeners in harmony with nature. She explores the beauty of the interconnected ecosystem, human creativity reflecting God's, and the importance of respecting natural ends for true flourishing. The conversation also delves into genetic modification's ethical implications and the enduring impact of historical theories on today's well-being.
Apr 24, 2024 • 59min
Rik Van Nieuwenhove - "Why Did God Die? Salvation According to Thomas Aquinas"
Rik Van Nieuwenhove discusses Thomas Aquinas' theory of salvation, questioning the necessity of sacrifice in Christianity and exploring the role of grace, penance, and sacraments. They delve into Aquinas' views on evil, suffering, and punishment, emphasizing the importance of understanding rather than seeking suffering for salvation.
Apr 24, 2024 • 57min
The Grace of Preaching and the Dominican Life | Fr. Dominic Legge OP
Fr. Dominic Legge OP, a Dominican friar, discusses the evolution of religious life, emphasizing Dominican preaching's importance. He explores the vision of St. Dominic, preaching the truth with grace and virtues. The podcast also touches on the power of charity and forgiveness in religious community life.
Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 20min
Dr. John Haldane - "Reasonable Disagreement and Civic Friendship in an Age of Conflict"
Dr. John Haldane, a philosopher, discusses reasonable disagreement and civic friendship in an age of conflict. Topics include Brexit voting patterns, shifting voter dynamics in US elections, navigating reasonable disagreement, truth and coherence, Augustine's views on original sin, controlling passions for decision-making, voting eligibility criteria evolution, and education, leadership, and politics.
Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 17min
The Divine Name and the God of the Old Testament | Dr. Gregory Vall
Dr. Gregory Vall, an expert in ancient religious texts, discusses the significance of the divine name Yahweh in the Old Testament. Topics include the evolution of pronunciation, Yahweh's role in the covenant with Israel, and the Trinitarian aspects revealed in God's name.
Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 6min
Does Physics Leave Any Room for Free Will? | Fr. Thomas Davenport OP
Fr. Thomas Davenport OP, a theology and philosophy expert, discusses the complexities of free will and its relationship with scientific concepts in physics. He explores the interplay of free will and structured reality, the physical brain, and debates on free will in physics and nature, challenging the notion that free will contradicts scientific laws.
