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
May 15, 2025 • 32min
Friendship is a Difficult Good | Fr. Cassian Derbes, O.P.
Fr. Cassian Derbes, a Dominican priest and visiting professor at Notre Dame, dives deep into the complexities of friendship. He discusses philosophical insights from giants like Aristotle and Aquinas, emphasizing how genuine friendships require virtue and effort. Fr. Cassian reveals the dynamic relationship between desire and goodness, showing how true connections can help us overcome despair. His reflections illuminate friendship as not just a bond but a vital force in living a fulfilling life.
16 snips
May 14, 2025 • 40min
Aquinas on Friendship and Human Excellence | Prof. Thomas Hibbs
In this engaging discussion, Thomas Hibbs, J. Newton Rayzor Sr. Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, dives deep into Aristotle's views on friendship, categorizing it into three types: utility, pleasure, and virtue. He highlights the alarming erosion of true friendships in our modern society and its detrimental effects on well-being. Hibbs also contrasts ancient and modern philosophies on happiness, advocating for the virtue of friendship as essential to a fulfilling life. This conversation sparks reflection on the nature of our connections and the pursuit of genuine relationships.
May 13, 2025 • 48min
How To Be A Good Friend: Combatting Envy And Apathy And Exercising Love And Wisdom | Prof. W. Scott Cleveland
W. Scott Cleveland, an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Catholic Studies at the University of Mary, shares profound insights on friendship, ethics, and the virtues that sustain it. He explores Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, highlighting how true happiness enhances relationships. The discussion delves into the challenges of envy and apathy, emphasizing the need for charitable love. Cleveland also outlines practical ways to nurture friendships through prudence and constructive feedback, revealing the moral foundations essential for genuine connections.
May 12, 2025 • 52min
What is Love? Plato’s Theology of the Body | Prof. Joshua Hochschild
In this conversation, Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosophy expert from Mount St. Mary’s University, dives into the complex nature of love through a Platonic lens. He examines the profound speeches in Plato's Symposium, revealing how love transcends mere physical attraction to reach divine beauty. Hochschild also discusses the impact of Catholic teachings on modern sexual ethics amidst contemporary hedonism, advocating for a deeper understanding of love that aligns with human dignity and spiritual fulfillment. It's a thought-provoking discourse on Eros, Agape, and moral choices in today’s world.
8 snips
May 9, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Metaphysics of Prayer | Fr. Stephen Brock
Fr. Stephen Brock is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei and a renowned professor of Medieval Philosophy at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. In this engaging discussion, he delves into the metaphysics of petitionary prayer, examining how prayer aligns human desires with God's will. He highlights insights from C.S. Lewis and Thomas Aquinas, revealing the profound role of human prayers in divine providence. Listeners will find a rich exploration of the interplay between belief, desire, and the nature of God.
8 snips
May 8, 2025 • 56min
Can Philosophical Skepticism Be Overcome? | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, Rector Magnificus at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome, dives deep into philosophical skepticism and realism. He explores the tension between skepticism and the nature of reality, referencing thinkers like Aristotle and Kant. The discussion includes the significance of essence and existence, juxtaposing Thomistic thought against modern critiques. White also sheds light on how art influences our understanding of reality, illustrating the interplay of knowledge and perception through human experience.
May 7, 2025 • 48min
Aquinas on the Identity of Essence and Existence in God | Prof. Michael Gorman
Michael Gorman, a Professor of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America, dives deep into Aquinas' doctrines. He explores the profound relationship between essence and existence in God, arguing that they are identical. Gorman discusses divine simplicity, emphasizing that God’s nature is uncomplicated, unlike created beings. He elaborates on how divine perfection reflects in creation and clarifies the limitations of human language when describing God’s essence. His insights illuminate the intricate metaphysical themes central to understanding both divine and non-divine realities.
May 6, 2025 • 50min
The Trinity: The Heart of Christian Life | Dr. Edmund Lazzari
Join Dr. Edmund Lazzari, a Teaching Fellow at Duquesne University and expert in Catholic theology, as he tackles the profound complexities surrounding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. He addresses modern criticisms that label the Trinity as overly intricate and explores the harmonious relationship between God's oneness and threeness. Delving into philosophical insights from St. Thomas Aquinas, he reveals how understanding the Trinity enriches human relationships and points toward the divine communion awaiting believers.
May 5, 2025 • 41min
Does God Exist | Prof. Michael Gorman
Michael Gorman, a Professor of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America, dives deep into the existence of God. He discusses philosophical reasoning, contrasting it with authority and personal experience in belief systems. Gorman highlights Aquinas's uncaused causes as a significant argument for God's existence, while acknowledging the limits of philosophical inquiry. He also examines the critical interplay between philosophy and revelation, emphasizing how divine truths often transcend human reasoning, making revelation essential for understanding faith.
May 2, 2025 • 43min
Aquinas the Wordsmith: The Hymns and Sequence of Corpus Christi | Prof. Patrick Callahan
In this discussion, Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture, explores the poetic brilliance of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He examines Aquinas' views on beauty, emphasizing the importance of proportion and clarity in art and spirituality. Callahan dives into the intersection of art, language, and theology in Aquinas' hymns, revealing the richness of poetic devices and their deep theological meanings. The conversation uncovers how these elements enhance one's understanding of faith and devotion.
