

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 21, 2024 • 1h 11min
Rights Alone Are Not Enough: Christian Faith and the Dignity of Human Nature | Prof. David Lantigua
Prof. David Lantigua discusses the historical evolution of human nature in political thought and the significance of safeguarding fundamental rights. The podcast explores the intersection of Christian faith, human dignity, and human rights, highlighting the role of figures like Pius, Maritain, and Pope Paul III in advocating for the dignity of all individuals.

Apr 21, 2024 • 54min
The Presence Of God: The Witness of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity | Fr. James Brent, OP
Fr. James Brent, OP, discusses St. Elizabeth of the Trinity's emphasis on finding God in daily life, faith's importance in spiritual connection, and enhancing spiritual life through beliefs in God's love and simplicity.

Apr 21, 2024 • 45min
The Presence Of God: The Wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas | Fr. James Brent, OP
Fr. James Brent, a Dominican priest specializing in St. Thomas Aquinas, discusses the significance of genuine connection with God beyond mere belief. He delves into God's presence in vision, power, and divine providence according to Aquinas, highlighting how it shapes the secular world and individual souls.

Apr 21, 2024 • 31min
The Pursuit of Happiness: The Least Understood of Our Fundamental Rights | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, OP
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, OP delves into the pursuit of happiness, distinguishing between pursuing meaning versus pleasure. He highlights the importance of selfless acts in finding contentment. The discussion also explores how achieving essential goals aligned with human nature leads to true happiness, emphasizing the pursuit of goods. Aquinas further discusses the connection between morality and happiness, emphasizing the pursuit of true happiness in God as the ultimate fulfillment.

Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 5min
Neuroscience and the Soul | Prof. James Madden
Neuroscience and the Soul | Prof. James Madden talks about the compatibility of neuroscience with the concept of the soul, exploring Aristotle's perspective on the soul and discussing the philosophical views on realism, nominalism, and universals. The podcast also delves into the mind, soul, and forms in philosophy, and explores the implications of the soul on humanity and ethical debates like abortion.

Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 17min
Newman at Harvard: The Idea of a University--Encore et Toujours | Prof. Reinhard Huetter
Prof. Reinhard Huetter discusses John Henry Newman's vision of a university, emphasizing the importance of a holistic liberal arts education with theology. They explore the loss of moral and intellectual strength in modern society, the need for morality in knowledge, and the significance of integrating various disciplines in undergraduate education. The podcast reflects on creating a universal Catholic university for lay people, reconnecting with core values, and addressing the crisis of identity and purpose in humanity.

Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 12min
Judging the Truth: Moral Intolerance or the Dictatorship of Relativism? | Fr. Dominic Legge OP
Fr. Dominic Legge OP discusses moral truths vs. relativism, Catholic perspectives on judgment, implications of moral relativism in politics, and the duty of fraternal correction for the common good. The podcast navigates through historical shifts in moral judgments, just war theory, and the importance of aligning morality with objective truth and God for genuine happiness.

Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 17min
Is Friendship Still Possible? | Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, OP
Sr. Mary Madeline Todd discusses the essence of true friendship, drawing insights from Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. The podcast explores historical examples of deep friendships, challenges in fostering genuine connections in modern society, and the significance of mutual respect, shared values, and differences in building authentic relationships with others and with God.

Apr 21, 2024 • 44min
Thomism, Natural Rights, and the Politics of Prudence | Prof. Matthew Gaetano
Prof. Matthew Gaetano discusses Thomism, natural rights, and the politics of prudence. Topics include differing viewpoints on individual rights, School of Salamanca's view on natural rights and equality, resistance to tyranny, and early modern Thomists' defense of custom and natural rights.

5 snips
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
The Light of Faith: Why It's Not Irrational to Believe | Fr. James Brent, OP
Fr. James Brent, OP, discusses the rationality of faith, evidences of divine origin, objections to faith, role of conscience, doctrine development, rational conversion, grace in belief, faith in Christianity, baptism, and Christian witnessing.


