

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

Nov 17, 2023 • 1h 3min
Putting The Pieces Back Together: The Catholic Doctrine On Purgatory | Father Thomas Petri, O.P.
Father Thomas Petri, O.P., President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies, discusses the Catholic understanding of Purgatory, consequences of sin, the transformative nature of satisfaction, and the concept of purgatory as a place of rebuilding and enhancing holiness.

Nov 16, 2023 • 44min
Aquinas on Faith and Reason w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Prof. Mats Wahlberg
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Prof. Mats Wahlberg discuss Aquinas' perspective on faith as rational knowledge, addressing objections to faith claims, justifying divine revelation, and standards for accepting claims to divine revelation. They explore the concept of noetic access and the importance of cautious openness to God's revelation. They also discuss the relationship between faith, habituation, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the acceptance of testimony.

Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 14min
How C.S. Lewis & Aquinas Can Help Us Recover Our Christian Faith | Professor Michael Dauphinais
In this podcast, Professor Michael Dauphinais discusses how C.S. Lewis and Aquinas can help us recover our Christian faith. He explores topics such as the historical shift towards Christianity, the concept of causality, the significance of doctrines and maps in the Christian faith, and the unconventional defeat of evil. He also emphasizes the power of individual influence and small actions in shaping the destiny of the universe.

Nov 10, 2023 • 34min
Philosophy And The Religious Life | Doctor Zena Hitz
Dr. Zena Hitz, a Tutor at St. John's College, discusses the significance of religious life, the concept of impermanence and its meaning, the sacrifice of A Lot of Petros, renouncing worldly possessions, the challenge of finding meaning in a transient world, and the pursuit of happiness and the transience of life.

Nov 9, 2023 • 44min
Does God Exist | Professor Michael Gorman
Prof. Michael Gorman discusses various philosophical arguments for the existence of God, including the concept of an uncaused cause. He explores the limits and possibilities of using philosophy to understand God's existence, emphasizing the importance of critically evaluating arguments. The chapter also highlights the role of philosophy in understanding the Bible and accessing God without revelation.

Nov 8, 2023 • 55min
Creation In St. Augustine's Confessions | Father Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., discusses creation in St. Augustine's Confessions, reflecting on its impact. He explores the structure and content of the book, highlighting the concept of creation and its relationship to God. The limitations of the human mind, the existence of angels, and the concept of rest are also explored.

Nov 8, 2023 • 57min
'Are We Our Brains? Neuroscience And The Soul' | Doctor Paul LaPenna
Dr. Paul LaPenna, a neurologist and Associate Professor of Neurology, explores the intersection between neuroscience and the soul. Topics include the limitations of science, the mechanistic view of the universe, the criticisms of mind-body dualism, and the insufficiency of materialism in explaining human experiences like love. The concept of the four causes and the relationship between humans and the Trinity are also discussed, emphasizing the uniqueness and dignity of each person.

Nov 6, 2023 • 43min
Is There Anything Wrong With Moral Relativism | Professor Francis Beckwith
Prof. Francis Beckwith discusses moral relativism vs. moral objectivism, the Catholic Catechism's view on morality, Aquinas' concept of natural law, and exploring exceptions to moral claims.

Nov 3, 2023 • 56min
God From God: Understanding The Trinity | Professor Bruce Marshall
Prof. Bruce Marshall discusses the concept of the Trinity and its significance in Christianity. He delves into the origins and significance of the Nicene Creed, particularly its affirmation of the divinity of Jesus Christ. Marshall emphasizes the distinctness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and explains the concept of generation in relation to the Trinity. Understanding these concepts is crucial for reciting the creed accurately.

Nov 1, 2023 • 32min
What Makes A Law Good | Father Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., Director of the Thomistic Institute, discusses what makes a law good and explores Thomas Aquinas' perspective on goodness. The podcast explores different perspectives on the nature of law, Aquinas' definition of law for the common good, and the importance of creating laws that promote goodness in communities.