The Thomistic Institute

Prof Jonathan Lunine, an expert in planetary science, discusses the search for life beyond Earth, focusing on potential candidates such as Europa, Enceladus, and Titan. He explores the evidence of ocean material on Europa's surface and the ongoing Europa Clipper mission. The podcast also delves into the theological implications of extraterrestrial intelligences and their impact on Catholicism.

Associate Professor Mary Hirschfeld explores economic inequality from a theological perspective, challenging modern assumptions about money and happiness. She reevaluates the relationship between wealth and fulfillment, highlighting the importance of social connections and personal fulfillment. The podcast delves into the societal implications of income inequality, discussing Pope Francis's concerns about exclusion and exploitation. It also examines the cultural shift in career aspirations and emphasizes the value of blue collar work and the need for dignity and respect in these fields.

Professor Michael Gorman discusses Aquinas' views on reason and emotion. Topics include the relationship between reason and emotion, the different powers of organisms, the role of theoretical and practical mental operations, the intertwining of reason, appetite and passion, the importance of subordinating passions to reason, and the connection between reason and passion.

Professor Adam Eitel, an Associate Professor of Theology, discusses the importance of friendship in effective leadership and its role in human life. He explores the concept of love and the nature of true friendship according to Thomas Aquinas. Additionally, he delves into Thomas Aquinas's belief in a friendship with God and the concept of friendship with God and others. These topics highlight the necessity of cultivating meaningful relationships and mutual pursuit of good within the fellowship of the church.

"Does Evil Disprove God?" features Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Prof. W. Matthews Grant discussing the concept of evil and its correlation to God. They explore moral evil, the problem of evil, God's attributes, and perspectives on free will and determinism. The podcast delves into the nature of evil and its implications for God's existence in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.

Professor Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses Thomas Aquinas' principles on beauty and the human person, explores the concept of beauty in relation to God and the natural world, and delves into the qualities of the sublime in art, highlighting the distinction between commercialized and selfless art.

Father Alan O'Sullivan O.P., Chaplain of Trinity College, Dublin, discusses the concept of the good life from Aquinas' perspective, the origins of the good life in Western civilization, understanding temperaments, the moral dimensions of human acts and character formation, virtues becoming second nature through practice, the role of charity in virtuous life, and exploring virtues and individual strengths.

Father Thomas Petri, O.P., President of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies, discusses St. John Paul II's theology of the body and its connection to St. Thomas Aquinas. They explore the concept of the spousal meaning of the body, the effects of original sin on relationships, the link between Theology of the Body and contraception, the relationship between the immaterial and material in human thought, achieving harmony and virtue, the formal element of marriage, and the importance of St. John Paul II's book and St. Thomas Aquinas in The Theology of the Body.

Father Dominic Langevin, O.P. discusses the sacrament of confession, distinguishing between venial and mortal sins. The importance of examining one's conscience and acts of sin is explored. The concept of forgiveness and the role of confession in Christianity are highlighted, along with the biblical sources and ministers of the sacrament. Seeking Christ's mercy through confession and the grace of forgetting are emphasized.

Dr. Paul LaPenna, neurologist and Associate Professor of Neurology, explores the relationship between neuroscience and the soul. He discusses the impact of the scientific revolution on the development of the scientific method and the mechacinistic conception of nature. The discussion also covers the distinction between qualitative and quantitative things, challenges reductionism in neuroscience, and highlights the immateriality of human beings. The speaker shares their personal journey from studying science to becoming a doctor and reflects on the limits of science and the importance of faith. The immaterial aspect of human beings, the Eucharist in Catholicism, divine speech, and freedom are also explored, emphasizing the Catholic view of the human person and their dignity.