The Thomistic Institute

Prof. Joshua Hochschild discusses Wendell Berry's political philosophy and Catholic social teachings. They explore themes in 'That Hideous Strength', Catholic social teaching responses to modernity, heavenly hierarchy in Christianity, challenges in university education, and fighting oil and gas interests. Emphasis on defending community, waste reduction, and balancing conflicting interests in modern institutions.

Prof. Paige Hochschild discusses the rise of 'spiritual but not religious' identity, its relationship with ancient philosophy, complexities of spirituality, rejection of organized religion, views on happiness and true mediation in religion, and the importance of communal worship in spiritual progress.

This lecture was given at the University of Kansas on 30 September 2019.Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. serves presently as the Assistant Director for Campus Outreach with the Thomistic Institute in Washington, DC. He served previously as an associate pastor at St. Louis Bertrand Church in Louisville, KY where he also taught as an adjunct professor at Bellarmine University. Born and raised near Philadelphia, PA, he attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville, studying mathematics and humanities. Upon graduating, he entered the Order of Preachers in 2010. He was ordained a priest in 2016 and holds an STL from the Dominican House of Studies.For more information on this and other events go to thomisticinstitute.org/events-1

Philosophy professor Prof. Alexander Pruss delves into Aristotle's concept of happiness, exploring pleasure, moral goodness, friendship, and love. He discusses a thought experiment involving a machine for desired life experiences, prompting reflections on true fulfillment. The podcast also examines factors influencing happiness like achievement, reputation, and the role of death. Additionally, it touches on acquiring infinite knowledge through transformative relationships and the pursuit of eternal growth for true happiness.

Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, explores Aquinas' Trinitarian pattern in natural inclinations, natural law, and divine grace, highlighting the movement towards God in nature. The differentiation between rational and irrational creatures in returning to God is discussed, along with the interplay between natural law, grace, and the dynamic return to God through charity.

Philosopher and theologian Prof. Eleonore Stump discusses the meaning of suffering, exploring how it can lead to spiritual growth and human flourishing. The podcast delves into the Christian perspective on suffering as a gift from God, the distinction between bodily and mental thriving, and the resilience of figures like Harriet Tubman. It also examines the Orthodox Christian view on suffering, relationships, and salvation, highlighting the transformative power of accepting and sharing suffering in life.

Fr. Andrew Hofer, OP, discusses the origin of truth from the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of speaking in the Holy Spirit and the relationship between evil, goodness, falsity, and truth. The search for truth and unity is explored, along with discussions on goodness, evil, truth, and societal bonds.

Dr. Nathaniel Peters, an expert on St. John Henry Newman, discusses the interplay between faith and doubt, explores the rationality of belief in God, delves into Newman's life journey and impactful preaching, and analyzes Newman's views on faith, reason, love, and obedience.

Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, explores the interconnected concepts of truth, goodness, and beauty. He discusses how art transforms experiences and the transformative power of encountering beauty. The podcast delves into the concept of beauty from philosophical and theological perspectives, drawing from the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Philosopher and theologian, Prof. Peter Kreeft, dives into the religious and philosophical themes in 'The Lord of the Rings', discussing good and evil, the hierarchy of moral knowledge, power, addiction, and divine elements in the narrative. He explores themes of immortality, fantasy, and sacrifice, as well as the relationship between body and soul, Descartes' views, and modern work ethics. The podcast also touches on subsidiarity, Tom Bombadil, and Tolkien's influences.