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 • 53min
True for Me, But Not for You? Moral Relativism and Public Life | Prof. Michael Gorman
Philosophy professor Prof. Michael Gorman discusses moral relativism and its impact on public life. Topics include differences in moral perspectives, handling moral disagreements, controversial government decisions, historical examples like abolition of slavery, and strategies for productive conversations.
Apr 24, 2024 • 41min
Why Rights? Where Rights Come From and What They Mean for Healthcare | Fr. Thomas Joseph White
Fr. Thomas Joseph White delves into the philosophical roots of human rights, grounding them in human nature and flourishing. He highlights the importance of safeguarding rights in healthcare, discussing natural inclinations, procreation, family involvement, and truth disclosure. The podcast also explores the correlation between human rights, the common good, and dynamic ethical considerations amidst evolving societal norms.
Apr 24, 2024 • 47min
What is the Soul, and When Does It Come To Be? | Prof. James Madden
Philosophy expert Prof. James Madden challenges modern views on consciousness and self-awareness, exploring traditional Aristotelian and Thomistic beliefs on the soul not being connected to consciousness. He discusses the concept of the soul as form in philosophy, distinguishing living beings from their physical components. The podcast also delves into the limitations of AI in understanding consciousness, using the Chinese room experiment to illustrate the difference between mimicking and truly possessing self-awareness.
Apr 24, 2024 • 49min
Christian Friendship: The Role of Human Friendship in the Spiritual Life | Prof. John Cuddeback
Prof. John Cuddeback, an expert on human friendship in the spiritual life, discusses the impact of true friendship on happiness and virtue. He explores the significance of authentic friendships in personal growth, wisdom, and happiness, drawing inspiration from Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. The podcast delves into the role of friends in fostering virtues, accountability, and fraternal correction for a fulfilling life.
Apr 24, 2024 • 36min
Evil: The Great Accuser of God's Existence | Fr. John Harris OP
Fr. John Harris OP, a Dominican priest, delves into the concept of evil in relation to God's existence. Topics include moral and natural evil, objections by Saint Thomas Aquinas, the necessity of a good God, philosophical complexities of evil in a world created by God, debates on free will, and the triumph of goodness over malevolence.
Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 7min
The Natural Law Justification Of Capital Punishment (Keating Responding)| Prof. Edward Feser
Renowned philosopher Prof. Edward Feser discusses the natural law justification of capital punishment. Topics include Aquinas's theory of punishment, biblical teachings on justice, retribution as restoring balance, and the evolving Catholic Church's stance on the death penalty.
Apr 23, 2024 • 1h 25min
The Compatibility of Neuroscience And The Soul | Prof. James Madden
Prof. James Madden discusses the compatibility of neuroscience and the soul, exploring the traditional view of the soul, Aristotle's concept of the unmoved mover, and the distinction between matter and form. The conversation extends to deductive reasoning, the relationship between the soul and the body, and perspectives on self-identity, touching on topics like personal narratives, defining death, and rejecting bodily desires for spiritual goodness.
Apr 23, 2024 • 1h 2min
Bodily Religion: God, the Flesh, and Catholic Belief | Fr. Thomas Petri, OP
Fr. Thomas Petri, OP, discusses the theological significance of Jesus Christ taking on flesh in Catholic belief, exploring the relationship between body and soul, sin, and redemption. The podcast also covers topics like bodily discipline, sexuality in religion, God assuming human nature, early heresies, and the transformative power of forgiveness in defeating sin.
Apr 23, 2024 • 52min
How to Talk to People about God: Talking to Others | Fr. Raymund Snyder, OP
Fr. Raymund Snyder, OP, a Dominican priest, discusses strategies for talking about God, using general ideas over technical details, intertwining truth and beauty in God through literature, embracing faith through foundation stones, and navigating discussions on God and faith with others.
Apr 23, 2024 • 40min
How to Talk to People about God: Our Knowledge of God | Fr. Raymund Snyder OP
Fr. Raymund Snyder OP discusses the challenges of discussing God, emphasizing the Catholic view of knowing God through reason alone. The podcast explores the depth of proofs for God's existence and the relationship between faith and reason. It also delves into the necessity of incorporating faith with reason to comprehend God and discusses divine wisdom and faith in understanding God.
