The Thomistic Institute

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.

W. Matthews Grant, a professor and chair in the Department of Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas, discusses the problem of evil and its implications for the existence of God. He explores different types of evil, delves into the nature of natural evil and its connection to material objects, and explores the hierarchy of goods and evils. Grant also raises questions about why God allows evil to exist and explores the relationship between evil and the realization of good.

Fr. Andrew Hofer, a priest in the Dominican Province of St. Joseph, discusses the Blessed Virgin Mary's role and teachings in Catholicism, focusing on the Annunciation, Mary's relationship with the Trinity, her intercession, and her unique privileges. The podcast also explores the concepts of Christ's victory over sin and death, Mary's assumption into heavenly glory, and the significance of supporting the Thomistic Institute.

Paul Gondreau, Professor of Theology, discusses the significance of recognizing Christ's true humanity and its impact on understanding our own. He explores various philosophical anthropologies and the body-soul relationship, emphasizing an Aristotelian understanding. Gondreau also delves into the theological implications of Christ's assumption of a rational soul and the importance of embracing and humanizing our emotions. Lastly, he explores the relationship between Christ's humanity and human nature, highlighting how his male neurobiological structure influenced his sexual appetites as a moral exemplar for men.

Philosophy professor Angela Knobel explores the ethics of lying, Aquinas' perspective on truthfulness and boasting, the concept of the noble lie, Flannery O'Connor's thoughts on truth and the role of the writer, the Tenboom family's commitment to truthfulness during the Nazi occupation, and the power of truthfulness and its impact on others.

Professor Joeseph Trabbic, a philosophy professor, discusses the concept of natural rights and their connection to human rights. He explores the nature and existence of natural rights from an Aristotelian-Tomistic perspective. The podcast also delves into the importance of virtues, natural law, and the exercise of natural rights and their inalienability.

Listen to Russell Hittinger, a leading scholar of Catholic political and social thought, discuss social ontology. Topics covered include Thomas Aquinas as the common doctor of Catholic social teaching, the challenges faced by liberation theology, the pitfalls of applying the principle of intensity to political structures, the evolution of excellence in various aspects of life, the historical context of key popes and changing social orders, the origins of the term 'social justice,' Aquinas' perspective on authority and Christian submission, and the dynamics of social ontology and the relationship between Christians and unbelievers.

Prof. Matthew Levering discusses liturgical theology, including the rationale for Mass versus Populum, controversies over the orientation of the priest during the Mass, and the liturgical movement in Chicago. He explores different perspectives on the Mass and its potential reforms, as well as the impact of the liturgical movement on the sacramental representation of Christ's sacrifice in the Eucharist.

Prof. Joseph Wawrykow, specializing in 13th-century Western theology, explores Aquinas' theology of grace and its influence on the Catholic intellectual tradition. Topics include Aquinas as a doctor of the church, the role of doctors in conveying saving truth, different forms of grace, Aquinas' reflection on the supernatural, controversies surrounding his teachings, and the concept of predestination.

Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Romanus Cessario discuss sacramental theology, the role of a priest in sacraments, and the significance of sacraments such as marriage and the Eucharist. They explore the unity fostered by worthy participation in the Eucharist and express gratitude for discussing their work.