The Thomistic Institute

Philosophy professor V. Bradley Lewis discusses the evolution of natural rights, exploring topics such as the transition from natural law, distinctions between natural and legal rights, and Aquinas' perspective on deriving rights from duties within the framework of natural law.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., discusses predestination in Catholic theology, emphasizing God's foreknowledge and human agency. The podcast explores divine providence, God's guidance without altering Himself, and human participation in sharing God's life. It also delves into divine generosity, human freedom, and aligning with God's will for salvation.

Sr. Anna Wray, O.P., a Dominican Sister with a PhD in philosophy, explores the purpose, mechanisms, and effects of fear in the human heart. Drawing on historical examples and Thomistic teachings, she discusses strategies for understanding and overcoming fear, contrasting with stoicism and emphasizing the importance of positive intentions and actions.

Fr. John Baptist Ku, O.P., a Dominican priest with a rich background in both software design and theology, discusses the profound concept of the Trinity's indwelling in our souls. He humorously contrasts God's unchanging perfection with our human nature. Delving into the divine relationships, he explains the distinct essences within the Trinity and how they shape our understanding of grace. Fr. Ku also explores the themes of knowledge and love, revealing how these divine interactions can deepen our connection with God.

This lecture was given on February 1st, 2024, at University of Oregon.For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-eventsAbout the Speaker:Joshua Hochschild is Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University, where he also served six years as the inaugural Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. His primary research is in medieval logic, metaphysics, and ethics, with broad interest in liberal education and the continuing relevance of the Catholic intellectual tradition. He is the author of The Semantics of Analogy: Rereading Cajetan’s De Nominum Analogia (2010), translator of Claude Panaccio’s Mental Language: From Plato to William of Ockham (2017), and co-author of A Mind at Peace: Reclaiming an Ordered Soul in the Age of Distraction (2017). His writing has appeared in First Things, Commonweal, Modern Age and the Wall Street Journal. For 2020-21 he served as President of the American Catholic Philosophical Association.

Prof. Gina Maria Noia discusses quality of life judgments in healthcare, exploring Catholic perspectives, ethical considerations, and the impact on treatment decisions. She emphasizes the importance of assessing an individual's well-being and intrinsic worth in medical care.

Prof. Edward Feser discusses the immortality of the soul and immateriality of the mind, addressing challenges to materialism, the immaterial nature of rational faculties, objections to the immateriality of the mind, and the connection between defending intellect's immaterial nature and the soul's immortality.

This lecture was given on February 23rd, 2024, at Ave Maria University.For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-eventsAbout the Speaker:Sister Anna Wray is a native of Connecticut and a member of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia of Nashville, TN. Sister received her phD in philosophy from The Catholic University of America, having written her dissertation on Aristotle’s account of the activity of contemplation. Sister is an assistant professor on the faculty of CUA's School of Philosophy in Washington, DC, where she regularly teaches courses in the history of philosophy, logic, rhetoric, ethics, philosophy of religion, and philosophical psychology. She is also an adjunct professor for Aquinas College, where she teaches metaphysics and epistemology to her sisters in formation. When time permits, sister enjoys the occasional trip that allows her to speak to (and with) others who share her loves.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Prof. Michael Pakaluk discuss Aristotle's views on friendship & virtue, the impact of family on virtue development, importance of patience in relationships, healing power of sacrifice & forgiveness, rejection of hierarchy, love vs. justice in friendships, and relevance of natural law in society.

Prof. Christopher Kaczor discusses the quest for happiness through positive psychology and meaningful relationships. The podcast explores the intersection of positive psychology and Christianity, addressing sin, weakness of will, and strategies to strengthen willpower. Managing difficult situations with practical strategies like expressing gratitude and acts of service is emphasized for overall well-being.