The Thomistic Institute

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.

Dr. Therese Cory discusses the future of Aquinas' philosophy, the changing perception of medieval philosophy, and the limitations of human thought. She emphasizes the importance of dialogue across philosophical systems for a more dynamic and unified thought image.

Fr. Serge-Thomas Bonino, OP discusses self-abandonment to God and the role of divine providence in achieving desired outcomes. He explores the historical shift in perception of the cosmos and its impact on intellectual thought. The concept of divine Providence is examined, including the contributions of different creatures to the common good of the universe. The role of law and freedom in God's providence is also discussed.

Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, rector of Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, discusses topics such as medieval transcendental thought, derived realities, Bonaventure and Aquinas' approaches to transcendental philosophy, Aquinas' theistic arguments, the significance of Christ's suffering and resurrection, and Aquinas' doctrine of the incarnation and the Trinity.

Fr. Dominic Legge, Director of the Thomistic Institute, discusses Aquinas' perspective on Jesus' Sonship in Christ's Passion. Topics explored include Aquinas' Trinitarian understanding of Christ's Passion, Christ's obedience and love for the Father, Aquinas' perspective on Christ's cry during the Passion, and the significance of the Cross in revealing the triune God.