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
20 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 31min
What is "Meaning" and Why Should I Care Whether My Life Has it? | Fr. Raphael Mary Salzillo, O.P.
Fr. Raphael Mary Salzillo, O.P., a Dominican friar and philosophy teacher, dives deep into the essence of meaning in life. He explores the contrast between everyday activities and overarching purpose, delving into philosophical questions of self-awareness and absurdity. Engaging with concepts from The Matrix and Nozick's thought experiment, he highlights the significance of authentic experiences. Fr. Salzillo emphasizes that true fulfillment stems from recognizing God as the ultimate good, intertwining happiness with profound purpose even in suffering.
Dec 25, 2024 • 1h
The Imago Dei in Augustine and Thereafter | Prof. Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart, the Edwin B. Kyle Professor of Christian Theology at the University of Virginia, delves into the profound significance of the Imago Dei in early Christian thought. He examines St. Augustine's reflections on humanity's divine image and how it has shaped identity throughout history. The discussion highlights contributions from early theologians like Origen and Paul, exploring themes of divine knowledge, intellect, love, and morality in our relationship with God. Hart invites listeners to consider how these ideas resonate in contemporary spirituality.
Dec 24, 2024 • 37min
The Mysteries of Christ in the Story of Salvation | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Delve into the theological significance of Christ's human existence and His unique role in salvation. Discover how His actions exemplify quasi-infinite charity and merit. Unpack the intimate connection between humanity and the divine, as Christ's sacred humanity makes divine grace accessible. Explore the concepts of exemplar and final causality in relation to salvation, emphasizing how faith and sacramental living nurture a deeper relationship with God. It's a thought-provoking journey into the mysteries of Christ and the story of salvation.
5 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 46min
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead? How Can We Know? | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
A riveting exploration of the historical credibility of Jesus' resurrection opens up fascinating discussions. The role of faith and divine inspiration is examined alongside the Gospels' portrayal of this pivotal event. Abraham Lincoln's 'house-divided' metaphor prompts an engaging quiz on his political views. The importance of understanding context in interpreting scripture is emphasized, revealing biases shaped by history. Lastly, personal testimonies from the apostles offer powerful insights into faith and the transformative impact of their experiences.
Dec 20, 2024 • 55min
What Makes a Person Good? | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P. is the Director of the Thomistic Institute and a seasoned theologian with an impressive background in law and philosophy. He dives into the essence of goodness and happiness through Thomistic wisdom, emphasizing virtues and the divine relationship. The discussion also touches on how God's grace shapes human nature, contrasting divine goodness with human perceptions. Legge highlights the transformative power of unconditional love, illustrating how true goodness goes beyond mere subjective desires.
13 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 57min
What is Knowledge? | Prof. Tomas Bogardus
In this engaging discussion, Tomas Bogardus, a philosopher with a diverse academic background, delves into profound questions about knowledge. He unpacks Aquinas's theories, emphasizing the distinction between true knowledge and mere belief. The conversation explores how we acquire knowledge through testimony and intuition, shedding light on mathematical truths and moral principles. Bogardus reflects on personal experiences that challenge our understanding of complex concepts like the equivalence of 1 and 0.999, while also examining the interplay of belief systems and moral truths.
Dec 18, 2024 • 57min
How the Dark Ages Saved Your Soul | Fr. Gabriel Torretta
Fr. Gabriel Torretta, a Dominican priest with a background in Japanese literature, delves into the surprising contributions of the Dark Ages to modern Christianity. He discusses Rabanus Maurus’ influence on education, the evolution of written language like Caroline Minuscule, and the monumental shift in reading with spaces between words. Fr. Torretta highlights how English and Irish monks preserved texts and enriched theological discourse, particularly the understanding of the Eucharist, all of which paved the way for significant cultural advancements in Europe.
Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 1min
Is Sanctity for Everyone, Even for me? | Fr. John Mark Solitario
Fr. John Mark Solitario, a dedicated priest from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, discusses the universal call to holiness. He emphasizes the vital role of divine grace in personal sanctity and the Church's mission. Solitario highlights the mystical connection between Christ and believers, illustrating how each member contributes to spiritual health. He also pays tribute to Pier Giorgio Frassati, showcasing the impact of prayer and service on faith development. This lively conversation inspires listeners to deepen their relationship with God through daily spiritual practices.
10 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 45min
Aristotelian Philosophy and the Quantum Revolution | Prof. Robert Koons
In a captivating discussion, Professor Robert Koons, a prominent philosopher at the University of Texas at Austin, delves into the synergy between Aristotelian philosophy and quantum science. He critiques modern materialism and advocates for a metaphysical view of reality. Koons unravels the complexities of quantum mechanics, explaining concepts like particle-wave duality and quantum entanglement, and argues for a cohesive understanding of reality that integrates consciousness and free will. His insights remind us that philosophy and science can enrich one another.
8 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 38min
Can Beauty Save the World? | Prof. Raymond Hain
Raymond Hain, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Providence College, explores the connections between beauty, art, and faith. He discusses how a Caravaggio painting invites contemplation on beauty's role in salvation. Delving into medieval thought, Hain highlights St. Thomas Aquinas's views on beauty as essential to joy. The tension between poetry and philosophy is examined, along with J.R.R. Tolkien's concept of 'sub-creation.' Ultimately, he presents beauty as a vital link to the divine and essential for a fulfilling life.
