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 12, 2025 • 54min
George Lemaitre: The Catholic Priest Who Proposed the Big Bang Theory – Prof. Jonathan Lunine
In this enlightening discussion, Prof. Jonathan Lunine, Chief Scientist at NASA’s JPL and Professor at Caltech, delves into the remarkable life of Georges Lemaître, the Catholic priest who proposed the Big Bang theory. He explores how Lemaître's faith and science intertwined, challenging misconceptions about their conflict. Lunine uncovers Lemaître’s groundbreaking ideas on cosmic expansion and the implications of the primeval atom. He also emphasizes Lemaître’s belief in two paths to truth, advocating for the harmony between science and religion.
Nov 11, 2025 • 48min
Does AI Have a Soul? – Dr. Edmund Lazzari
Dr. Edmund Lazzari, a Teaching Fellow at Duquesne University and expert in Thomistic philosophy and AI, explores whether artificial intelligence can possess a soul. He argues that current neural-network chatbots lack the necessary abstraction and intentionality attributed to immaterial intellect. Discussing claims about Google's LaMDA, he critiques the notion of AI understanding language versus mere statistical manipulation. Lazzari weaves in Aquinas’s philosophy, asserting that true intellect requires more than syntactical predication, leaving AI short of that mark.
15 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
Neuroscience and the Soul – Dr. William Hurlbut
Dr. William B. Hurlbut, a physician and adjunct professor at Stanford, dives into the intersection of neuroscience, bioethics, and the concept of the soul. He argues for the unique role of the human soul beyond mere information processing, stressing the importance of rationality and moral self-awareness. Hurlbut challenges transhumanist claims, underlining the significance of tacit knowledge and embodied experiences. He emphasizes that suffering can lend meaning to life and explores how parenthood shapes human identity, ultimately advocating for humility in the face of biotechnological advancements.
Nov 7, 2025 • 42min
Astrology: Why Did Medieval Philosophers Study It? – Fr. Ambrose Little, O.P.
Fr. Ambrose Little, a Dominican priest and director of the Thomistic Institute, dives into the fascinating world of medieval astrology. He explains how medieval philosophers viewed astrology as a legitimate branch of natural philosophy intertwined with science. Ambrose contrasts ancient beliefs with modern views, highlighting how astrology was seen as a means to study celestial influences on earthly matters. He discusses St. Augustine’s critiques, the role of free will, and warns against the dangers of demonic deception in divination, ultimately asserting that astrology lacks scientific validity today.
Nov 6, 2025 • 42min
Theology True Science of God or Poetical Musing – Prof. Christopher Malloy
Christopher J. Malloy, a Professor and Chair of Theology at the University of Dallas, explores theology as a classical science grounded in faith. He tackles objections that view theology as merely poetic or lacking in precision. Using Aquinas's insights, he argues for a blend of faith and intellectual rigor, showcasing how believers can attain deeper understanding through revealed principles. Malloy underscores that true theological statements enhance clarity while still embracing the beauty of narrative, leading to a richer union with God.
Nov 5, 2025 • 20min
How to Know God? Philosophical Wisdom and Divine Revelation – Prof. Michael Dauphinais
Prof. Michael A. Dauphinais, a prominent theologian and expert on Thomas Aquinas, delves into the interplay between philosophical wisdom and divine revelation. He discusses Aquinas's reasoning from effects to causes, emphasizing that human reason alone is inadequate. Dauphinais addresses idolatry's role in distorting knowledge of God and articulates sacred doctrina's importance. He posits that the incarnation is the peak of divine communication, bridging study and spiritual union, while explaining how the Son and Spirit cultivate wisdom and charity.
Nov 4, 2025 • 45min
Nicene Trinity, Chalcedonian Christology: Understanding Christ through Councils and Conflicts – Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., a dogmatic and moral theology instructor, explores Nicene Trinitarian theology and Chalcedonian Christology. He discusses why councils are vital for clarifying God's nature and safeguarding salvation from heresies. Fr. Pine introduces the concept of Christ as the exemplar of divine union, emphasizing humanity's call to know and love God. He highlights the significance of Christ's full assumption of human nature and the profound connection between salvation and the sacraments, demonstrating that true salvation transforms rather than merely provides juridical gifts.
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
Thomas Aquinas on Intellectual Memory – Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P.
Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P., a Dominican friar and philosophy professor at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas, delves into Thomas Aquinas’s theory of intellectual memory. He navigates the conflicts among key philosophical authorities, especially Aristotle and Avicenna, discussing their differing views on memory. The conversation explores how Aquinas defends the preservation of intelligible species and differentiates between sensitive and intellective memory, ultimately favoring Augustine's broad definitions over Avicenna's. A fascinating journey into the intricacies of philosophical thought!
Oct 31, 2025 • 59min
Augustine's Account of Trinitarian Image and Thomas Aquinas – Fr. Reginald Lynch, O.P.
Fr. Reginald Lynch, O.P., a Dominican priest and expert in medieval theology, delves into Augustine's influential work, *De Trinitate*, and its impact on Thomas Aquinas. He highlights how Augustine's intellectual journey fosters a transformative relationship with God. The discussion covers the role of grace in shaping human nature, the reception of Augustine by medieval thinkers, and Aquinas's insights on divine likeness. Lynch further clarifies complex theological distinctions about grace, sacramental character, and the human quest for ultimate truth.
Oct 29, 2025 • 51min
In the Beginning Was the Word: Augustine, Aristotle, and Aquinas – Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., a Dominican priest and scholar in Thomistic theology, delves into the evolution of the concept of the Word through Augustine, Aristotle, and Aquinas. He discusses Augustine's analogy of the human mind for understanding the Trinity and how his illumination theory incorporates Aristotelian elements. Legge explores Aquinas's philosophical refinement of the notion of 'Word,' distinguishing between intelligible species and the interior word produced by understanding. This conversation bridges human cognition with Trinitarian theology.
