The Thomistic Institute

Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, an expert in theology and philosophy, discusses Aquinas' perspective on beauty, including divine beauty, created beauty reflecting God's hidden beauty, the relationship between beauty and the Trinity, theocentric and anthropocentric perspectives on beauty, and the debate on whether beauty is more aligned with goodness or truth.

Prof. Nathaniel Peters discusses medieval theology, including the evolution of theological thought, depiction of the Nativity scene, Catherine of Siena, Eucharistic theology, the Trinity, and the importance of immersing in faith, liturgy, Scripture, and prayer.

Prof. Marcus Plested discusses the compatibility of Thomism with Orthodoxy, exploring theological contrasts and historical schisms between East and West. He critiques extreme viewpoints in Orthodoxy and highlights dismissals of each other's traditions. The historical relationship between East and West in Orthodox theology is examined, along with debates and unity efforts. The intricate relationship between Thomas Aquinas, Thomism, and Orthodoxy is explored, emphasizing the mission to disseminate faith-based lectures.

Philosophy and ethics expert Prof. Joshua Hochschild discusses the origins of the 'meaning of life' question in the 19th century and its impact on philosophy and literature. The podcast explores how this concept evolved as a response to existential crises, contrasting 'meaning of life' with 'purpose of life.' It also delves into the development of Catholic social teaching in addressing industrial challenges and incorporating reflections on personal existence, including key encyclicals like Rerum Novarum and Centissimus Annus. The episode concludes with a discussion on John Paul II's reinterpretation of the meaning of life within Catholic teachings, linking it to traditional metaphysical inquiries about humanity.

John Haldane, an expert in exploring themes of evil and vice, discusses the portrayal of evil in films, distinctions between natural and moral evils, importance of leading by example, anecdotes about Evelyn Waugh, intersection of spiritual and psychological conditions, American idealism, and exploration of spiritual corruption and human motivations.

Prof. Gregory Doolan, an expert in philosophy, discusses St. Thomas Aquinas' philosophical views on angels, including their nature, immateriality, existence, essence-existence relationship, and God's creation. He also explores attributes like immortality, intelligence, hierarchy, knowledge, desires, and their interaction with the material world.

Fr. Raymund Snyder, OP, delves into the profound difference between human and angelic intellects, emphasizing angelic capacity for direct knowledge from God. He explores how humans acquire knowledge through senses and abstraction, contrasting human and angelic ways of knowing. The discussion also covers human limitations, the 'spark of reason', discerning between humans and angels, and the roles of angels as intermediaries between God and humans.

Fr. James Brent, OP, a Dominican priest and theologian, delves into Thomas Aquinas' argument for God's existence through the concepts of contingent vs. necessary beings. He connects the God of the Bible to metaphysical arguments, addressing objections from philosophers about contingent beings and causality.

Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, OP, delves into Aquinas's political philosophy, discussing the natural aspect of politics in human existence and the role of authority in pursuing the common good. He emphasizes the virtues necessary for political leadership, the importance of prudence and obedience, and reflects on a figure's impactful political engagement guided by Christian faith.

Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses the compatibility of Christianity and evolution, emphasizing God as the sustainer of all existence. They explore Aquinas' argument for God's existence, human origins, and interpreting the Bible in light of science. The podcast delves into topics like chance in evolution, creation, free will, and Catholic views on monogenesis.