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 22, 2024 • 1h 4min
What Is a Substance? | Prof. Michael Gorman
Prof. Michael Gorman, an expert in substances, discusses the complexities of defining substances in philosophy. Topics cover Aristotle and Aquinas' perspectives, primary vs. secondary substances, bundle theory, and Aquinas's doctrine of transubstantiation.
Apr 21, 2024 • 60min
Form-Matter Composition | Prof. Jeffrey Brower
Prof. Jeffrey Brower discusses Aquinas' theory on form-matter composition, highlighting its relevance in contemporary metaphysics. Topics include hylomorphism concepts, philosophy of generation and corruption, accidental unities, prime matter, relationships between form, time, and substance, and the correlative status between body and form.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 14min
Causality and Ontotheology | Prof. Emeritus Alfred Freddoso
Prof. Alfred Freddoso delves into Hume and Kant's criticisms of natural theology, emphasizing the need for empirical traditions. The discussion covers epistemic pessimism, debates on causality from Aristotelian and empiricist perspectives, medieval occasionalism, and critiques of regularity theory in causality.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 25min
The Distinction of Essence and Existence | Prof. Edward Feser
Prof. Edward Feser discusses the essence-existence distinction, Aquinas' viewpoint, and objections to the argument. The conversation explores real essences in natural objects, object unity, and the role of essence in scientific realism. It also touches on Aquinas' argument for a first cause of existence and the influence of Platonism on analytic thought.
Apr 21, 2024 • 44min
On the Other Side of the Confessional | Fr. Thomas Joseph White O.P
Fr. Thomas Joseph White O.P discusses the importance of confession in religious beliefs, emphasizing its association with God, soul, and grace. He also explores sincere confession before marriage and the transformative effects of confession in Catholicism, addressing common fears and the role of the priest.
Apr 21, 2024 • 56min
Moral Duty and the Rule of Law | Hon. William H. Pryor, Jr.
Hon. William H. Pryor, Jr., a legal expert and judge, discusses moral duty, the rule of law, and the intersection of faith and judicial duty. The podcast touches on challenges faced by public officials, historical religious requirements in state constitutions, and the importance of upholding the law even amidst moral conflicts.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 3min
Political by Nature: Friendship and the Good Life | Prof. Chad Pecknold
Prof. Chad Pecknold discusses the significance of friendship in personal and societal well-being, exploring its role in political communities and the Christian vision. He emphasizes the necessity of intentional, in-person friendships over contractual arrangements, especially in a world dominated by social media.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 29min
For the Greater Good: Social Justice, the Human Heart, and Thomas Aquinas | Fr. Philip Neri Reese
Fr. Philip Neri Reese discusses social justice, character-based ethics, distributive justice, and economic transactions through the lens of Thomas Aquinas. The podcast explores individual motivation, personal virtue, just pricing, and community requests in the pursuit of social justice and moral obligations.
Apr 21, 2024 • 41min
Who Can Be Saved? Christ, the One Savior & Non-Christians - Jessica Murdoch (4/20/17)
Jessica Murdoch, an expert in religious studies and theology, explores the church's prayers for non-Christians, controversial beliefs on exclusive salvation through Christ, theological perspectives on salvation, St. Thomas' teachings on grace and faith, and the Church's hopeful prayers for non-Christians' salvation.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 10min
Reading St. Augustine's City of God with St. Thomas Aquinas | Prof. Chad Pecknold
Prof. Chad Pecknold discusses St. Augustine's City of God and its relevance in Western history. They compare Augustine and Aquinas' views on virtue, sacrifice, and divine assistance. The podcast also explores themes of human dignity, equality, and the necessity of grace for virtuous living.
