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
14 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 50min
Are Societies Natural? The Metaphysics of Thomistic Social Thought – Prof. Joshua Hochschild
Prof. Joshua Hochschild, a philosophy expert at Mount St. Mary’s University, dives into the nature of societies through a Thomistic lens. He argues that social forms like families and states have intrinsic purposes essential to human flourishing. Hochschild contrasts organic and mechanistic views of governance, exploring how modern society often overlooks genuine community in favor of contractarian frameworks. He emphasizes the role of language in shaping justice and critiques alienating social structures. Ultimately, he calls for moral leadership to nurture communities aligned with human nature.
Oct 6, 2025 • 33min
Are the Virtues Natural? – Fr. John Sica, O.P.
Fr. John Sica, O.P. is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Providence College and a Dominican priest. He delves into whether virtues are natural or learned, drawing on Aristotle and Aquinas. Sica argues that virtues aren't innate but can be cultivated through habituation and moral training. He likens learning virtues to mastering penmanship, emphasizing that these character qualities become a 'second nature.' The discussion illuminates how habits can perfect our inherent powers, guiding us toward our true potential.
46 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 44min
From Nature to Norm: How to Derive 'Ought' From 'Is' – Prof. Catherine Peters
Catherine Peters, an associate professor of medieval philosophy, passionately explores how to derive 'ought' from 'is' using a Thomistic natural law framework. She delves into the essence of human nature as the foundation for objective moral norms, emphasizing the importance of teleology and reason. Peters also clarifies that mere facts cannot establish moral duties and discusses the distinctions between law, virtue, and natural law precepts. Her insights provide a compelling bridge between philosophical anthropology and practical ethical reasoning, challenging listeners to reconsider the is-ought debate.
Oct 2, 2025 • 57min
The Natural and the Artificial – Prof. Christopher Frey
Christopher Frey, McFarlin Professor of Philosophy at the University of Tulsa, dives into the intriguing distinction between the natural and the artificial. He explores how art imitates nature, emphasizing Aristotle’s views on internal principles of motion. Topics include the unity of fire as a natural body, the contingent nature of human artifacts like houses, and how living organisms are unified by the soul. Frey also discusses how human creativity can both enhance and subvert natural processes, using examples like agriculture and city-building to highlight these complex interactions.
Oct 1, 2025 • 54min
Nature's Cheat Codes? On the Course of Nature and its Laws – Prof. John G. Brungardt
Join John G. Brungardt, an associate professor of philosophy at Newman University and a Dominican tertiary, as he dives into the fascinating relationship between nature's laws and their underlying natures. He discusses the shift from viewing laws as divine orders to modern instrumental 'cheat codes.' Brungardt argues for a return to understanding natures as causally prior to laws. He also explores how scientific laws serve as human conceptual transcriptions of natural relations and ends by emphasizing love as the principle that maintains order in nature.
11 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 51min
Aquinas on Nature and the Natural: Form and the Scale of 'Esse' – Fr. Raymund Snyder, O.P.
Fr. Raymund Snyder, O.P., a Dominican priest and philosophy expert, dives deep into Aquinas' metaphysical framework. He explores the distinction between essence and esse, highlighting how they shape our understanding of being. Discussing a scalar view of esse, he illustrates how this concept applies to all forms of life—from plants to angels. Raymund also connects Aquinas' ideas to ancient influences, emphasizing the unity of creation and the importance of a single Creator. His insights fuse philosophy with theology in a captivating dialogue.
Sep 29, 2025 • 58min
Aquinas on Nature and the Natural: Endoxa and Principles – Fr. Raymund Snyder, O.P.
Fr. Raymund Snyder, O.P., a Dominican priest and philosophy scholar, dives deep into Thomistic natural philosophy, emphasizing Aristotelian principles. He discusses the complexities of defining nature and the significance of endoxa, or received opinions, in philosophical inquiry. Snyder contrasts modern interpretations of nature with Aquinas' views, highlighting act and potency as central concepts. He beautifully ties together the notions of form and substance, illustrating how these ideas shape our understanding of motion and existence.
Sep 26, 2025 • 32min
Usefulness and Elegance in Mathematics – Prof. Meraiah Martinez
Meraiah Martinez, an early-career mathematician with a Ph.D. in mathematics, discusses the harmony of usefulness and elegance in math. She highlights why mathematicians are drawn to problem-solving, exploring the divide between pure and applied mathematics. The conversation covers the beauty of mathematical proofs, like the Pythagorean theorem, and delves into historical concepts such as Euler's equation and the Collatz conjecture. She also connects math to real-world applications, discussing modeling in biology and the significance of sound mathematical foundations.
Sep 25, 2025 • 49min
How Planetary Science Unifies the Search for Life Beyond Earth – Prof. Jonathan I. Lunine
In this discussion, Prof. Jonathan I. Lunine, Chief Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a leading expert in planetary science, explores how various scientific fields converge in the search for extraterrestrial life. He highlights Mars, Europa, Enceladus, and Titan as prime candidates for harboring life, sharing insights from groundbreaking missions like Juno and Europa Clipper. Lunine emphasizes the importance of in-situ exploration and the promise of returning samples to Earth, envisioning a future where we could uncover signs of life within a couple of decades.
Sep 24, 2025 • 32min
Nicolaus Steno and the Intersection of Disciplines in the Scientific Revolution – Prof. Nuno Castel-Branco
Prof. Nuno Castel-Branco, a historian specializing in early modern science and interdisciplinary studies, explores the remarkable contributions of Nicolaus Steno. He highlights Steno's groundbreaking fusion of anatomy with mathematics and theology during the Scientific Revolution. Castel-Branco discusses Steno's travel across Europe, the revolutionary application of geometrical methods to biological studies, and his connections with influential figures. The podcast also delves into Steno's significant shift towards theology, reflecting on the interplay between science and belief.
