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
Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 28min
Greed in Christian Societies | Professor Brad Gregory
Professor Brad Gregory explores the influence of greed in Christian societies throughout history, discussing topics such as the cycle of consumption, Jesus' teachings on possessions, the challenges of poverty and wealth within religious orders, the impact of technology and institutions on societies, the theological differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, the early Church's focus on the poor, the unintended consequences of the separation of church and state, and the comparison between traditional Christian almsgiving and modern philanthropy.
Jan 23, 2024 • 1h 3min
St. Augustine’s Confessions & the Interior Altar of the Heart | Professor Chad Pecknold
Professor Chad Pecknold discusses St. Augustine's Confessions, exploring topics such as the nature of the person, the concept of the interior altar of the heart, the limitations of intellect, the role of memory, the Eucharist as a cure for disintegration, and the significance of confession and right worship.
14 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 5min
Does Birthplace Determine Religion? | Professor Tomas Bogardus
Professor Tomas Bogardus discusses the role of birthplace in determining religious beliefs, explores how religious beliefs can be shaped by upbringing, and argues against the idea that birthplace guarantees a particular religion. He delves into the influence of social forces, early teaching, and personal experiences on religious beliefs, questioning their reliability and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking. The speaker explores the relationship between luck and knowledge and presents arguments for skepticism towards beliefs shaped by one's surroundings.
Jan 18, 2024 • 44min
What's Wrong With Moral Relativism? w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Prof. Francis Beckwith
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Prof. Francis Beckwith discuss moral relativism, controversial moral questions, natural law, and the connection between relativism and religious practice. They also explore the concept of worship and religious beliefs.
Jan 17, 2024 • 52min
Saint Augustine's Revision Of The Heroic Ideal I Father Robert Dodaro, OSA
Fr. Robert Dodaro, O.S.A., president of the Patristic Institute in Rome and professor of patristic theology, discusses Saint Augustine's revision of the heroic ideal, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's sinfulness and dependence on divine grace. Topics explored include Augustine's views on martyrdom, the conception and sinlessness of Mary, death as a natural evil, and his critique of the Antio-Kean approach to understanding Christ's divinity and humanity.
5 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 51min
Natural Law And The U.S. Constitution: A Thomistic Introduction I Professor Joshua Hochschild
Guest Joshua Hochschild, Professor of Philosophy and Director of Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Mount St. Mary's University, explores the relationship between natural law and the U.S. Constitution, discussing topics such as Locke's conception of natural law, the existence of a higher law, and the nature of law according to Aquinas. The podcast also delves into the historical development of natural law and different interpretations of the founding of the United States in light of natural law.
Jan 15, 2024 • 37min
Should I Believe That Jesus Is God? I Father Conor McDonough, O.P
Fr. Conor McDonough, O.P, a theologian from Dublin, discusses the divinity of Jesus, exploring doubts and theological perspectives. He delves into Jesus' claim to forgive sins and his divine authority. The podcast also explores the identity of Jesus, the age of Paul's letters, and the Trinitarian language used by early Christians to describe the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It concludes by examining the worship and divinity of Jesus and the conflicts faced by Paul on this matter.
Jan 12, 2024 • 37min
The Journey to Human Flourishing: Insights from Thomistic Philosophy I Professor Adam Eitel
Professor Adam Eitel, Associate Professor of Theology at the University of Dallas, discusses the unique characteristics of human nature, the importance of aligning desires with reason, and the role of work and leisure in human flourishing. He explores the Thomistic philosophy on human flourishing and its connection to Aristotle's inquiry while acknowledging the limitations of human knowledge and the mysteries of human nature.
Jan 11, 2024 • 51min
A Philosophical Theology of the Body? Eros in Plato and John Paul II | Professor Joshua Hochschild
Joshua Hochschild, Professor of Philosophy and Director of Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Mount St. Mary’s University, discusses the compatibility of Eros and Agape in love, drawing comparisons between Plato's Symposium and John Paul II's theology of the body. He explores different types of love in Greek philosophy, summarizes the speeches on love in Plato's Symposium, and contemplates the nature of beauty. Hochschild also explores the various perspectives on love in Plato's Symposium and delves into John Paul II's theology of the body in response to the sexual revolution.
Jan 10, 2024 • 30min
The Virtues: Moral, Intellectual, Theological I Professor Adam Eitel
Professor Adam Eitel, expert in medieval scholasticism, explores the genres of virtues, focusing on the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. He delves into the nature of human life, the pursuit of truth, and the significance of social relationships. The concept of hope and its connection to knowledge and confidence are discussed, along with the virtues of love, faith, and hope in relation to our relationship with God.
