The Thomistic Institute

Prof. Daniel Kuebler discusses the challenges and complexities of biology experiments, the species problem, and the ethical questions in biotechnology. He explores uncertainty and variability, the limitations of genetic models, and the role of systems biology in reducing uncertainty. He also talks about human hominids, seizure-like behavior in fruit flies, and the profound implications of uncertainty in the evolutionary process.

Prof. Lori Watson, specializing in unsaturated transition metal catalysts, discusses the application of x-ray diffraction in determining chemical structures, Dorothy Hodgkin's work on crystal structures of biological molecules, uncertainty in determining reaction mechanisms, and the complexities of defining bonds in chemistry.

Fr. Thomas More Garrett, O.P. discusses moral dilemmas faced by rideshare drivers, navigating ethical challenges in the workplace, Aquinas' principle of double effect, and the concept of moral cooperation. He explores immediate and remote moral cooperation in the workplace and examines the relevance of ignorance and institutional intention in determining moral compromises.

Fr. Thomas Davenport, O.P., Dominican friar, physicist, and philosopher discusses scientific realism, causal properties, perceiving individual things, different viewpoints on causal powers, scientific demonstration and certainty in the philosophy of nature, reasoning from effect to cause, and electric charge and experimental observations.

This lecture was given on July 13th, 2023, at the "Thomistic Philosophy & Natural Science Symposium" at the Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website: thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events Speaker Bio: Dr. Serena Kim is an Associate Research Professor and Associate Astronomer at Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. Dr. Kim's recent research includes star formation in the "H II" region to investigate whether or not initial mass function and circumstellar disk evolution are affected by the star forming environment. She has also recently conducted research on debris disks around sun-like stars to study whether our solar system is common or rare. Kim focuses on multi-wavelength observational studies of star forming regions using both ground-based and space telescopes. Star forming regions Kim is working on are young clusters where the triggered mode of star formation is suggested. Kim is a member of the Spitzer Legacy program Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems. She has led and participated in various projects including Kuiper-Belt analogs around sun-like stars.

Dr. Steve Mrenna, particle theorist at Fermilab, discusses truth and uncertainty in particle physics. Topics include the importance of truth and knowledge, conflicts and disagreements in inquiry, differences between Aristotelian and scientific conceptions of species, and the role of reproductive proprias in speciation.

Fr. Ambrose Little, O.P., a philosopher and Dominican friar, explores the limitations of the deductive method in science and suggests a Thomistic framework for improved scientific reasoning. The podcast also discusses the shift towards practical problems in science, the complexities of biology, the perspectives of Hume and Aristotle on cause and effect, and the importance of ontology in model development.

Prof. Brian Carl gives an introduction to Aristotelian and Thomistic philosophy of nature. He covers key terms, causes, elements, matter, form, substantial change, the eternal nature of species, and the differences between Thomistic and Aristotelian frameworks.

Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., discusses the concept of glorified wounds in relation to the grace of Christ. Topics include living with grace, crowning in heaven and aureals, changing nature of the cross, regret and clarity of vision in heaven, reigning with Christ, and praise, worship, and gratitude.

Join Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Prof. Scott Cleveland as they discuss emotions and virtuous living, the role of emotions in the moral life, self-forgetfulness for peace and integration, and interpreting experiences for the pursuit of the common good. A philosophical and insightful conversation.