The Thomistic Institute

Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P., a Dominican sister and a philosophy professor, explores the profound implications of suffering. She delves into Stoic thinkers like Seneca, who viewed suffering as a tool for strength, contrasting their ideas with biblical perspectives from Job, where suffering is framed as divine discipline. Gardner emphasizes how suffering can purify the soul and lead to a deeper relationship with God. Through insights from Aquinas and New Testament teachings, she highlights the transformative power of Christ's suffering in understanding our own trials.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Prof. Chris Baglow, a Notre Dame theologian, delves into the paradox of a loving God allowing evil and suffering. He explores the interplay between freedom and moral choices, asserting that true love comes with the risk of evil. Baglow highlights Augustine's idea of evil as a privation and contrasts physical and moral evils. He argues that genuine freedom is essential for moral goodness and draws on biblical figures like Job to emphasize personal faith amidst suffering. Ultimately, he points to Christ's resurrection as a source of hope and redemption.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Paul Gondreau, a theology expert from Providence College, delves into how Christ's fully human life reveals the essence of humanity. He articulates the idea that Christ, as the final Adam, recapitulates human experience, highlighting the importance of the Incarnation in understanding human dignity. Gondreau also critiques docetism, underscores the significance of passions in Christ's emotional life, and connects these themes to the moral implications of sexual difference and chastity. His insights blend theological scholarship with profound reflections on what it means to be truly human.

Dr. Robert McNamara, a lecturer in philosophy at St. Patrick’s Pontifical University, discusses the concept of creation as a continuous act of dependence on God. He explores how our existence is a gift meant to be joyfully accepted, linking divine creation to human experience. McNamara emphasizes that to exist is inherently good and highlights the relationship between divine fidelity and our daily lives. He also addresses the challenge of suffering, presenting Christ's incarnation as a response to the problem of evil, ultimately encouraging a personal dialogue with God.

Dr. Erik Dempsey, an expert on Aristotle and Aquinas, dives into the debate of whether morality is made or discovered. He argues for the latter, presenting Aquinas's three natural inclinations: self-preservation, social order, and procreation. Dempsey challenges modern moral relativism and highlights how natural law remains relevant in human experience. He emphasizes that moral obligations are not merely social constructs but grounded in human nature, bringing a fresh perspective on the foundation of ethics and justice.

In this discussion, John A. Cuddeback, a seasoned philosophy professor at Christendom College and author of True Friendship, explores the challenges of forming real connections in today's digital world. He highlights how excessive screen time and superficial relationships hinder true friendship. Cuddeback emphasizes the importance of shared experiences, deep conversations, and physical presence in cultivating meaningful bonds. He advocates for intentionality in choosing friends and creating environments that foster genuine engagement and mutual growth in virtue.

Prof. Michael Krom, a philosophy professor at Saint Vincent College and expert in Thomistic thought, dives into the profound relationship between sports, friendship, and virtue. He discusses how athletic rivalry can enhance genuine friendships and moral character. Krom critiques the pitfalls of competition driven by ego and highlights how virtues like prudence and teamwork shape societies through sport. He also explores the ethical questions surrounding violent sports and the philosophy of play, linking it to deeper notions of contemplation and joy.

Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosophy expert at Mount St. Mary’s University, delves into how digital culture impacts friendship and attention. He discusses the plasticity of human agency influenced by technology, arguing that distractions like smartphones weaken authentic connections. Hochschild contrasts curiositas—aimless curiosity—with studiositas, advocating for a more virtuous approach to knowledge. He emphasizes friendship as a shared journey and offers practical ways to cultivate meaningful relationships in today's digital landscape.

Join Prof. Michael A. Dauphinais, a theologian from Ave Maria University, as he dives into the profound meaning of marriage through a Catholic lens. He explores marriage as a lifelong covenant reflecting Christ's love for the Church, discussing how it promotes sanctification and family. Dauphinais contrasts modern views on sexuality with classical insights from Aquinas, revealing how our cultural practices challenge authentic relationships. With references to scripture, he highlights the beauty of mutual consent and the need for a balanced patriarchal and matriarchal dynamic.

In this discussion, guest Thomas M. Ward, an expert in medieval philosophy, sheds light on Duns Scotus's radical view that the Incarnation was part of God's eternal plan, not just a remedy for sin. He explores how scripture leaves the purpose of the Incarnation somewhat open-ended and challenges Aquinas's interpretation that ties Christ's coming solely to atonement. Scotus emphasizes that God's choice for the Incarnation flows from divine freedom, positioning Christ as the central figure in creation, aimed at glorifying Him above all.