The Thomistic Institute

Dr. Daniel De Haan discusses the intersection of neuroscience and philosophy regarding human nature, free will, and moral responsibility. He explores the potential of using machine learning and fMRI to decode brain activity patterns. Challenges in designing experiments to study free will are also addressed.

Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, an expert in theology and spirituality, discusses the deepening reflection of the Church on the coming of the Lord, exploring the presence of Christ in believers and sacraments. The podcast delves into the writings of Saint Ambrose and Saint Leo on Christ's sacramental presence, as well as the transition to sacramental presence from Christ's physical presence on earth. It also highlights the importance of being attentive to Christ's daily presence through grace and mystery.

Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses the importance of Advent as the first liturgical season, emphasizing Christ's advent in flesh and glory. Topics include the significance of the second coming of Jesus, the depth of Advent, the concept of Incarnation, and the joy and purpose of Christ's coming.

Dr. Daniel De Haan discusses the challenges in distinguishing human and animal behaviors, exploring theory of mind, affordances in psychology, thin vs. thick descriptions, and the debates between common sense and folk psychology.

Prof. Matthew Ramage discusses faith through the lens of Thomas Aquinas and Pope Benedict XVI, exploring doubt, trust, and the experiential nature of belief. He highlights the role of faith in personal experiences, including marriage and suffering, and emphasizes the value of embracing suffering and finding inspiration in ordinary saints.

Prof. Frederick Bauerschmidt discusses Graham Greene's novels, exploring themes of faith, freedom, and morality. They delve into the interplay between divine grace and human autonomy, highlighting the portrayal of Catholic faith in Greene's work. The podcast explores the concept of authentic freedom through the saints in Greene's novels, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's freedom with God's will for true liberation.

Prof. Catherine Pakaluk challenges common myths about family dynamics in America, discussing the evolution of the soulmate model of marriage, economic mobility, factors affecting upward mobility like family structure, and the correlation between divorce rates and instances of abuse in domestic relationships.

Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses philosophical proofs for the existence of God in a deep dive into St. Thomas Aquinas' metaphysical views. The podcast explores contrasting viewpoints on existence, essence, and potency in beings, highlighting the necessity of a non-physical first cause and the complexities of understanding God's existence. Emphasis on the challenges posed by thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Nietzsche, and the intertwining of Christian revelation with philosophical reasoning.

Prof. Paul Symington, an expert in ethics and human rights, discusses human dignity and the role of the human soul. The podcast delves into soul theory, human nature, and the distinction between soul and mind through split brain phenomena. Thought-provoking examples challenge conventional ideas about dignity in beings without a mind, exploring the soul-body relationship and its impact on human dignity.

Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, OP, explores the impact of the sexual revolution on societal views on sex, marriage, and gender, discussing abortion, divorce, and gender theory. The importance of civility in public discourse and the influence of political tribalism on public civility. The limitations of oversimplified economic theories and the need for a more nuanced approach considering the common good. Contrasting perspectives on civility, stability, and aggression in public discourse, focusing on traditional values and liberal institutions. Exploring the concept of prudence in political decisions and creating neutral spaces in society while addressing controversial topics like prostitution and crimes against the common good.