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
Dec 28, 2023 • 45min
Balderdash: What It Is, Why We Tolerate It, and How We Can Reduce It | Sister Anna Wray, O.P.
Sister Anna Wray, a Dominican Sister with a PhD in philosophy, discusses the concept of Balderdash and its prevalence in society. She explores the challenge of understanding the true meaning of words and phrases, emphasizes the importance of genuine questions and supportive friends, and explores the pursuit of clarity in thinking and speaking. She also discusses how St. Thomas regarded the Holy Spirit as his friend and the impact of speaking clearly in contemplation of God.
Dec 27, 2023 • 41min
Is Faith Irrational? A Lecture on Faith and Reason | Father Ambrose Little, O.P.
Father Ambrose Little, O.P., a Dominican friar of the Province of St. Joseph, discusses the rationality of faith, the compatibility of faith and science, the problem of evil, interpreting evil events in sacred history, and how believers can have faith and trust in God's promises. He also explores deepening faith and addressing doubts, including the rational aspect of choosing belief in God.
Dec 26, 2023 • 1h 3min
Purgatory: Good News for Most of Us | Professor Michael Root (duplicate?)
Professor Michael Root discusses the historical significance and development of purgatory in Catholicism, exploring its role in contemporary Catholic Church. Topics covered include the origins of purgatory, the transformation required for the final kingdom, the doctrine of praying for the dead, the relationship between Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism on purgatory, punishment and healing in Catholic piety, and the significance of prayer and solidarity in Catholicism.
Dec 25, 2023 • 1h 7min
Forgotten Lay Patronesses Of The Church | Doctor Bronwen McShea
Historian and author, Dr. Bronwen McShea, explores forgotten lay patronesses of the Church throughout history, highlighting their significant contributions. She discusses the influential role of a noblewoman in 17th century France, a prominent figure during the English Reformation, and women's resistance during the French Revolution. The chapter also covers researching a Duchess and the Jesuits, and the historical and current role of lay people in the Catholic Church.
17 snips
Dec 22, 2023 • 1h 9min
Human Nature and Biotechnology | Professor Stephen Meredith
Professor Stephen Meredith, Professor at the University of Chicago, discusses human fragility and vulnerability, the mixed blessing of biotechnology, theological questions in literature, love for mankind versus individuals, disease and death in animals, origins of names and animal suffering, disease and original sin, perspectives on morality and human behavior, and the humanity of Alzheimer's patients.
Dec 21, 2023 • 33min
Resilience and Happiness According to Dante and Aquinas | Thomas Hibbs
Thomas Hibbs, J. Newton Rayzor Sr. Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, discusses resilience and happiness according to Dante and Aquinas. Topics include stoicism, developing virtues, the value of friendship, resilience and virtue, and continuous learning and questioning.
Dec 20, 2023 • 40min
Justice, the Common Good, and Friendship | Father Gregory Pine
Father Gregory Pine, adjunct professor of dogmatic theology at the Dominican House of Studies and an Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute, discusses justice in contemporary society, the concept of the common good, the erosion of engagement and contribution to the common good in 21st century discourse, the distinctions between common goods and particular goods, the importance of understanding the order of relationships, and the impact of friendships on our lives.
Dec 19, 2023 • 34min
How Can Aristotle Benefit Science Today? | Father Ambrose Little
In this podcast, Father Ambrose Little discusses the potential benefits of incorporating Aristotle's philosophy in science, including improving certitude and epistemic quality of scientific knowledge, revising notions of causation, and enhancing motivation and understanding of scientific study. He explores how integrating Aristotelian principles can connect causes and effects and enrich conceptions of the natural world. Father Little also emphasizes the true value of science and the challenges faced in funding scientific projects.
Dec 18, 2023 • 54min
Faith, Mysticism, and the 'Dark Night Of The Soul' | Father Dominic Legge
Father Dominic Legge, Director of the Thomistic Institute, discusses faith, mysticism, and the 'Dark Night Of The Soul'. They explore the role of theology in understanding extraordinary phenomena, including mystical experiences during 16th-century Catholicism in Spain. They also discuss different ways to approach knowing God and the structure of the spiritual life. Other topics include embracing detachment, ascending to God through prayer, and managing passions and distractions in the spiritual life.
Dec 18, 2023 • 49min
Do You Believe In Miracles? (And Can You Do So Reasonably?) | W. Matthews Grant
W. Matthews Grant, Professor and Chair in the Department of Philosophy at University of St. Thomas (MN), explores the possibility and reasonableness of believing in miracles. They discuss the definition and recognition criteria of miracles, examine arguments for and against belief, and question the probability of events such as the resurrection. The chapter challenges the claims that miracles are impossible, and explores the role of testimony in believing in highly improbable events.
