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
Jun 17, 2020 • 1h 3min
Friendship and the Common Good | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. discusses the importance of the common good in fostering friendship and human flourishing. Topics include the role of communication, personalism in social communities, the relationship between individual and collective well-being, and the challenges posed by totalitarian threats and liberal structures of government.
Jun 15, 2020 • 1h 10min
Aquinas as a Mystical Theologian | Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn, O.P.
Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn, O.P., discusses mystical theology, Aquinas's view on divine action and analogy, mystical union in Aquinas and Dionysus, theological significance of John the Baptist, and theological differences on being and unity.
Jun 10, 2020 • 1h
Did Jesus Christ See the Father? | Fr. Simon Gaine, O.P.
Fr. Simon Gaine, O.P., a Dominican friar, discusses the theological question of whether Jesus Christ saw the Father, exploring Christ's knowledge as a balance of human and divine, his faith, and knowledge in the Garden of Gethsemane. The podcast also delves into Jesus' learning abilities, the unity of the Trinity's divine mind, continuity of his humanity post-resurrection, and the beatific vision and knowledge of angels.
Jun 5, 2020 • 1h 4min
A Window into the Mind? Neuroimaging and Our Understanding of the Human Being | Pro. Sofia Reimao
Pro. Sofia Reimao discusses the impact of neuroimaging technologies like fMRI in diagnosing diseases, drug development, and neuroscience research. She explores the non-modular nature of the brain and the challenges in using fMRI. The chapter also highlights the importance of accurate interpretation and communication to improve public understanding of neuroimaging data.
Jun 4, 2020 • 1h 3min
The Inner Workings of Confession | Fr. Dominic Langevin, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Langevin, O.P. discusses the personal dynamics of sin and penance, emphasizing personal responsibility. He explores the social and spiritual dynamics of confession in Catholicism, highlighting the role of the priest in guiding reconciliation. The importance of physical presence in the sacrament of penance is emphasized, along with the transformative power of confession in leading a fulfilled life in God.
May 30, 2020 • 59min
Popular Neuroscience and Other Political Schemes | Prof. Jeffrey Bishop
Neuroscientist Prof. Jeffrey Bishop discusses the intersection of politics, science, and ethics, critiquing attempts to link genetics to anti-social behavior. He explores the ethical implications of using neuroscience to identify behavior-related genes, emphasizing the importance of understanding values in scientific exploration and the complex interplay of genetics, environment, habits, and community in shaping human behavior. The discussion also delves into the necessity of humility in science and acknowledging potential filters in truth perception.
May 28, 2020 • 1h 1min
Dante on Love's Ordeal And the Ascent of Purgatory | Fr. Albert Trudel, O.P.
Fr. Albert Trudel, O.P., a Dominican Priest specializing in Dante's works, discusses Dante's Divine Comedy, focusing on the trinitarian structure, journey through Hell and Purgatory, freedom, repentance, justice, punishment, virtues, and beatitudes. The episode explores Dante's ascent guided by divine figures, encounters with exemplary souls, and the importance of repentance, virtues, and active choices for salvation.
May 26, 2020 • 60min
Freedom, Aquinas, and the Brain | Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., a Dominican friar, discusses the clash between limitless choice and scientific evidence, neuroscience experiments challenging free will, and the importance of free will in experiments. He explores the relationship between free will, rationality, decision-making, self-formation, and the impact of focus on individual choices, emphasizing the pursuit of the ultimate good as a key aspect of freedom.
May 21, 2020 • 59min
Our Lady's Sword: The Holy Rosary and the Battle for Salvation | Fr. John Langlois, O.P.
Fr. John Langlois, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses the significance of the Rosary and Mary's role in salvation. Topics include the evolution of Marian devotions, the power of the Rosary in spiritual warfare, and the introduction of plenary indulgences. The discussion also covers the importance of Mary's intercession, meditating on the mysteries, and verifying miracles through the Rosary.
May 19, 2020 • 55min
The Intellectual Life of the Mother of God | Prof. Zena Hitz
Prof. Zena Hitz discusses the depiction of Mary's intellectual pursuits, emphasizing her wisdom and readiness to receive the angel's message. They explore Mary's virtues, consent to the divine plan, and inward focus through prayer, drawing parallels to Einstein's breakthroughs. The discussion delves into characters prioritizing contemplation over social interactions and explores Mary's intellectual pursuits, solitude, humility, and grace.
