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
Jul 10, 2025 • 49min
Aesthetics, Mozart, and the Pathways of Beauty | Prof. George Corbett
Prof. George Corbett, a Theology Professor at the University of St Andrews and Director of Cephas, dives into the relationship between beauty, faith, and culture. He discusses Pope Benedict XVI's insights on art's role in fostering connections to Christ. The discussion covers Mozart's music as a pathway to the divine, alongside his intricate ties to Catholicism and Freemasonry. Corbett emphasizes the importance of reclaiming art's spiritual significance over its commercialization, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with aesthetics for enlightenment.
18 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 46min
Objective Beauty in a Subjective World | Prof. Jan C. Bentz
Prof. Jan C. Bentz, a seasoned lecturer in philosophy with expertise in aesthetics and metaphysics, explores the nature of beauty beyond mere subjectivity. He argues for the objective qualities of beauty rooted in historical philosophical traditions, including those of Plato and Aquinas. Bentz discusses the dangers of modern art's fragmentation and advocates for a holistic connection between art, ethics, and the divine. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing authentic beauty, drawing parallels to the purity of children's perspectives in our increasingly distorted world.
Jul 8, 2025 • 45min
Becoming Human: Barbie, Storytelling, and Aquinas on Self-Knowledge | Prof. Joshua Hochschild
Join Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosopher with expertise in medieval thought, as he delves into the philosophical aspects of the Barbie movie. Hochschild discusses how the film serves as a canvas for existential questions, linking its narrative to Aquinas’s ideas. He navigates through various interpretations, emphasizing the moral dimensions of storytelling. The conversation touches on Barbie’s transformation into a self-aware being, advocating for the importance of community and female agency while exploring deeper theological insights woven into popular culture.
Jul 7, 2025 • 35min
Recovering the Image of God in Man (and Woman) | Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P.
In this discussion, Sr. Elinor Gardner, Affiliate Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dallas, dives into the Christian understanding of virtue. She emphasizes the role of both theological and cardinal virtues as essential for restoring God’s image in humanity. Highlighting the significance of grace, Gardner explores how individual and communal efforts shape our moral lives. She also connects these virtues to the broader framework of Christian anthropology, drawing insights from thinkers like Robert Spaemann and Edith Stein.
13 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 22min
Created Equal: An Interpretation and Defense of the American Proposition | Prof. Christopher Kaczor
Christopher Kaczor, a distinguished Professor at the University of Notre Dame, passionately advocates for an inclusive understanding of the Declaration of Independence. He argues that 'all men are created equal' refers to every human being, transcending race, gender, and status. Kaczor delves into historical interpretations, including Lincoln's views on civil rights, and the significance of this phrase for marginalized groups, highlighting the need for a broader interpretation of equality in American society.
9 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 50min
Predestination and Human Freedom | Prof. Bruce Marshall
Bruce Marshall, a renowned theologian and Lehman Professor of Christian Doctrine at Southern Methodist University, discusses the intricate dynamics of predestination and human freedom. He delves into biblical foundations and Catholic teachings, emphasizing the balance between divine sovereignty and human choice. Marshall explores the nature of evil and God's foreknowledge, alongside insights from historical councils. He also addresses the evolution of these theological concepts from the 17th century to modern interpretations, providing a thought-provoking analysis of grace and salvation.
10 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 42min
'Many are called, but few are chosen': A Thomistic Approach to Predestination | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine explores the Catholic doctrine of predestination, contrasting it with Calvinist views. He emphasizes the synergy of divine grace and human agency, suggesting everyone can embrace grace regardless of their past. The discussion includes how personal freedom plays a crucial role in salvation and the transformative impact of spiritual reflection. Additionally, he highlights the need for responsible living in anticipation of eternal consequences, urging listeners to fully devote themselves to God and trust in divine providence.
Jul 1, 2025 • 60min
How to Make Life-Changing Decisions | Dr. Nathaniel Peters
Dr. Nathaniel Peters, Director of the Morningside Institute, shares insights on making life-changing decisions through philosophical and theological lenses. He discusses the experience of decision paralysis in high-achieving students and emphasizes the importance of acting on perceived goods. Drawing from Aristotle and Aquinas, Peters explores the role of faith in navigating uncertainties and personal choices. He highlights the interplay of emotions and rational analysis, advocating for a balanced approach to fulfillment and moral judgment in decision-making.
Jun 30, 2025 • 49min
Free Will and the Brain | Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., a philosophy professor at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, delves into the complexities of free will. He discusses how societal norms and brain activity shape our understanding of choices and happiness. The podcast highlights Benjamin Libet's findings on brain activity preceding decisions, raising questions about moral responsibility. Ramelow also explores Aquinas' teachings on the constraints of human choice, asserting that despite influences, free will remains a significant aspect of our identity.
Jun 27, 2025 • 36min
Could God Weep or Feel Pain? Christ's Assumption of Human Suffering for Our Sake I Prof. Paul Gondreau
In this thought-provoking discussion, Professor Paul Gondreau, a theology expert at Providence College, dives into whether God can truly experience human emotions and suffering. He examines Christ’s full humanity and the implications of early heresies like docetism. Gondreau shares insights from St. Thomas Aquinas on the dual nature of Christ, emphasizing how His divine experience encompasses human emotions like sorrow and empathy. This exploration reframes our understanding of God’s relationship with human pain and suffering.
