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
Dec 10, 2025 • 47min
Can Divine Providence Be Known Through Natural Reason? The Classics' Response – Prof. Carlos A. Casanova
In this engaging discussion, Carlos A. Casanova, a philosophy lecturer and expert in Thomistic thought, explores how classical metaphysics can reveal a divine intellect governing the universe. He delves into Aristotle's insights on final causality, emphasizing nature's purpose-driven actions. Casanova also discusses Aquinas' teleological perspectives on providence, the intricacies of divine art, and tackles modern skepticism regarding final causes. The conversation highlights the interplay between nature, divine agency, and human understanding.
Dec 9, 2025 • 41min
Living Mary's Mediation through De Montfort’s 'Total Consecration' – Fr. John Langlois, O.P.
Fr. John Langlois, O.P., a Dominican priest and church historian, discusses the profound impact of Saint Louis de Montfort’s Marian 'total consecration.' He explains how this devotion fosters an intimate union with Jesus through Mary's maternal guidance. Topics include how consecration to Mary serves as a powerful tool against temptation and sin, and the importance of her role in directing us toward Christ. Fr. Langlois also shares his personal vocation story and highlights Mary's protective nature as a mediatrix in our spiritual journeys.
Dec 8, 2025 • 49min
The History of Devotion to Mary: She Who Leads Us to Jesus – Fr. John Langlois, O.P.
Fr. John Langlois, O.P., a Dominican priest and Church historian, provides an enlightening exploration of Marian devotion. He traces the roots of Mary’s role from Scripture to the medieval era, emphasizing her maternal intercession. Langlois highlights the development of the rosary as a Christ-centered prayer, unpacks the Theotokos controversy, and discusses the evolution of Marian architecture. He articulates how Mary leads the faithful to Christ, particularly through the calming and meditative power of the rosary in turbulent times.
10 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 51min
Is Free Will an Illusion? – Prof. Joshua Hochschild
In this engaging discussion, Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosopher specializing in medieval logic and ethics, tackles the complex issue of free will. He delves into Dante's insights on freedom and divine love, and contrasts instinctual drives with rational thought. Hochschild critiques modern materialist views that deny free will, using metaphors like storms and puppets. He introduces the idea of participated causality, suggesting that while humans share causal influence, they're not entirely self-determined. His analysis emphasizes the enduring relevance of classical thought in understanding human agency.
10 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 41min
Happiness and Virtue: Can it be Good for You to Be Bad? – Prof. Thomas Osborne
Thomas M. Osborne, Jr., a philosophy chair and expert on Aquinas, discusses the interplay between morality and happiness. He argues that vice inherently harms our nature as rational beings, emphasizing that true well-being is found in virtue, not mere pleasure. Osborne delves into how morality can be misperceived as merely useful, contrasting Aristotelian happiness with fleeting psychological gratification. Highlighting the importance of community, he asserts that individual good is intertwined with the common good, making virtue essential for genuine fulfillment.
Dec 3, 2025 • 47min
Virtue and the Meaningful Life – Dr. David McPherson
Dr. David McPherson, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Florida, dives into the intricate relationship between virtue and a meaningful life. He critiques modern ethics for emphasizing happiness over meaning and defends a neo-Aristotelian perspective, arguing virtues are essential to meaningful living. McPherson explores strong evaluative meaning, martyrdom, and the tension between loss and virtue, emphasizing that true fulfillment arises from noble pursuits and theistic hope, striving for depth in the human experience.
Dec 2, 2025 • 51min
St. Thomas Aquinas: His Life, Wisdom, and Relevance Today – Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P.
Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P., a Dominican priest and expert in Thomistic theology, explores the relevance of St. Thomas Aquinas today. He delves into misconceptions of medieval thought and highlights Aquinas’s integrated understanding of happiness, body, and soul. Dunlevy also discusses Aquinas's lifelong commitment to Scripture, his impactful commentaries, and the importance of Eucharistic devotion. Through personal anecdotes, he captures Aquinas-as-teacher, while addressing his contributions to liturgy and mystical theology.
Dec 1, 2025 • 36min
Why We Need the Saints – Prof. Adam Eitel
Prof. Adam Eitel, an Associate Professor of Theology at the University of Dallas and expert on Thomas Aquinas, discusses the vital role of saints in moral formation. He explores divine pedagogy and how the lives of saints serve as essential examples for enduring sorrow and growing in virtue. Eitel highlights Aquinas' insights on Job's patience and the significance of hagiographical stories in teaching virtues. He also argues that saints help us navigate the complexities of imitating Christ by providing relatable, concrete models of holiness.
Nov 28, 2025 • 51min
Does Marketing Make Us Less Human? – Dr. John-Paul Heil
Dr. John-Paul Heil, a Core Fellow at Mount St. Mary's University and an expert in marketing and Catholic thought, dives into the complexities of modern marketing. He critiques how manipulative practices undermine human dignity and authentic friendship. Highlighting the AMA's flawed anthropology, he contrasts true friendship with marketing's transactional nature. Heil champions a transparent approach rooted in service and honesty, integrating insights from classical philosophy and contemporary challenges like corporate sustainability.
Nov 27, 2025 • 36min
A Breastplate of Stillness and a Book of Thanksgiving: The Fruits of Patience in the Face of Boredom – Prof. Carl Vennerstrom
Prof. Carl Vennerstrom, a specialist in Eastern patristic theology, dives into the transformative power of patience and perseverance in combating boredom and acedia. He discusses the concept of acedia as a weakening force and shares insights from Evagrius of Pontus on turning temptations into spiritual growth. Vennerstrom emphasizes the importance of prayer, ordered work, and gratitude as tools to cultivate joy amidst digital distractions. He also recounts practical monastic advice, showing how embracing stillness and boredom can lead to true discernment and spiritual strength.
