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
38 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 51min
Dividing and Relating the Sciences in Aquinas – Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P.
Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P., a Dominican friar and Professor of Philosophy in Rome, delves into Aquinas's approach to categorizing the sciences. He elucidates the difference between speculative and practical sciences, emphasizing the importance of material and formal causes. Reese explores mixed reasoning through subalternated sciences, shedding light on how disciplines like astronomy and music relate to mathematics. His insights highlight Aquinas’s flexible framework for understanding knowledge and its applications, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
30 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 51min
Aquinas and the Basic Principles of the Material World – Prof. Michael Gorman
Michael Gorman, a Professor of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America, dives into Aquinas’s philosophy of the material world. He unpacks the four causes with intriguing examples, clarifies hylomorphism's role in change, and critiques atomistic persistence. Gorman distinguishes between substantial and accidental changes, introducing Aquinas’s concept of prime matter as pure potentiality. The discussion further explores how material and spiritual realms differ, enriching our understanding of metaphysics and natural philosophy.
7 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 35min
How Many Friends Should I Have? I Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., a Dominican priest and moral theology scholar, delves into the multifaceted nature of friendship. He discusses the historical and philosophical significance of friendship, emphasizing its essential role in overcoming modern loneliness. Fr. Guilbeau explores three types of friendship—pleasure, utility, and virtue—and argues that virtuous friendships elevate the others. He highlights how friendships support Christian virtues and communal progress towards salvation, blending insights from saints and philosophers alike.
13 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 48min
Dating Like Mr. Darcy I Dr. John-Paul Heil
Dr. John-Paul Heil, a Core Fellow at Mount St. Mary's University with expertise in history and Catholic anthropology, explores romance through the lens of Jane Austen’s works. He humorously contrasts Mr. Darcy's awkward courtship with Fanny Price’s steadfastness. Heil discusses the essence of virtue in love and the idea of prudent concealment, linking Austen's perspectives on masculinity and femininity to practical dating insights. The episode emphasizes authentic love through self-giving acts, blending literary analysis with thoughtful romantic guidance.
Sep 17, 2025 • 54min
What is Wisdom and Why Do We Need It? I Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P.
Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, a Coordinator for Campus Outreach at the Thomistic Institute, dives into the profound concept of wisdom. He explains its connection to human flourishing and divine truth, emphasizing that true wisdom transcends just technical knowledge. The discussion covers the critical role wisdom plays in modern society, ethical leadership, and the balance between practical and speculative intellect. Fr. Dunlevy highlights the importance of theological and mystical wisdom, and how these insights guide us in understanding God and our existence.
29 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 47min
The Happiness of Human Limitations I Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, an expert in dogmatic and moral theology, dives into the paradox of happiness. He emphasizes that true fulfillment lies within our current limitations and experiences. By embracing commitment and community, he argues that we can deepen our personal joy. Fr. Pine discusses the sacrificial nature of love in both religious and personal realms, sharing insights from St. Gregory the Great. He encourages listeners to appreciate their individuality and find contentment through authentic connections, reminding us that limitations can enrich our understanding of life.
25 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 53min
12 (Thomistic) Rules for Managing Appearances and Making Yourself Miserable I Sr. Anna Wray, O.P.
Sr. Anna Wray, O.P., a Dominican Sister and philosophy professor, redefines leadership through the lens of Thomistic principles. She discusses twelve common traps that hinder genuine collaboration and personal agency. The conversation offers a satirical take on improving life patterns and work-life balance while emphasizing authentic passion. Strategies for fostering emotional connections and enhancing group dynamics are highlighted, challenging traditional views of leadership in favor of collaborative guidance. A thought-provoking exploration of leadership and personal growth!
Sep 12, 2025 • 39min
The TI and Your Vocation I Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Discover how the Thomistic Institute transforms college lives, nurturing personal growth and spiritual clarity. Dive into a journey of virtue and freedom through commitment, love, and self-gift. Explore the impact of genuine relationships and the role of imperfections in fostering authenticity. Uncover self-discovery and spiritual curiosity within the Catholic tradition, enhancing understanding of identity and divine connection. Gain fresh perspectives on faith, encouraging a unique and honest exploration of life.
14 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 44min
Why Becoming More Philosophical is a Good Idea I Prof. Michael Gorman
Prof. Michael Gorman, a philosophy expert from The Catholic University of America, argues for the necessity of a philosophical mindset in today’s tech-driven world. He discusses how critical thinking and deep questioning can foster intellectual autonomy, countering the distractions of modern technology. Gorman explores the interplay of reason and revelation, urging listeners to seek deeper truths that intertwine history, philosophy, and science. His insights highlight the transformative power of philosophy, making a case for its relevance in personal growth and understanding.
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
Technology In Our Relationship With God I Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Fr. Anselm Ramelow, a philosophy professor at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, dives into the intricate relationship between technology and our spiritual lives. He warns against idolizing technology while emphasizing its rightful role as a tool for human ends. The discussion spans the moral implications of tech in faith, historical contexts of its influence on the Church, and how modern technologies challenge our connection with God. Ramelow critiques the impact of virtual worship, urging a balance between innovation and reverence.
