The Reed Thomist Podcast

Episode 12 — The Nature of Proof In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed explores the nature of proof, soundness, and what it means for an argument to truly establish truth. You’ll learn: • The difference between validity, truth, and soundness • Why a sound argument is the goal of logic • How Scripture provides real examples of valid but unsound reasoning • How Christ Himself uses lo...

Episode 11 — Syllogisms, Validity, and Sound Reasoning In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the formal study of logic, focusing on how arguments actually work and how to evaluate them correctly. This lecture introduces: • Hypothetical syllogisms (“if–then” reasoning) • Modus Ponens and Modus Tollens, with philosophical and theological examples • Disjunctive syllogisms (“...

Episode 10 — Logic, Arguments, and Validity In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the formal study of logic itself, focusing on how reason evaluates arguments and discovers truth. This lecture explains: • What an argument is (premises and conclusion) • Why logic is reason examining itself • The difference between truth and validity • Why valid arguments can have false pre...

Episode 9 — Starting the Basics of Logic In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed begins formal instruction in logic by explaining what arguments are and why they matter. Logic is not debate, persuasion, or emotion—it is the disciplined study of reason ordered toward truth. This lecture introduces: • What an argument is (premises and conclusion) • The difference between proof and pers...

Episode 8 — Why Study Logic? The Laws of Thought & Christian Doctrine In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the classical discussion of logic and Christian belief, beginning with an important review of key distinctions that are essential for understanding logic rightly. Review: Logic and God This episode opens by clarifying several foundational distinctions: • Order o...

Episode 7 — Why Study Logic? Why should we study logic at all? In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the classical introduction to logic by explaining why logic matters—especially for philosophy, theology, and the life of faith. Building on the previous discussion of order in reason itself, this lecture presents logic as unavoidable, grounded in reality, and indispensable...

Episode 6 — The Start of the Logic Journey What is logic—and why does it matter? In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed begins a classical introduction to logic through Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. Logic is not debate tactics, everyday planning, or opinion-sharing. It is the study of right reason ordered toward truth. This lecture explains: • What logic really studies • Why log...

Episode #5: The Church on Philosophy (Continued) In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed concludes the Church’s teaching on philosophy by examining Pope Leo XIII’s Aeterni Patris and Pope St. John Paul II’s Fides et Ratio, before introducing the series’ next major focus: logic. The episode explains why philosophy is not optional for Christian thought, but an essential preparation for...

Episode #4: The Church on Philosophy (Continued) In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the Catholic Church’s teaching on philosophy, beginning with a short review of Episode 3 and returning to Christ as the Divine Logos (John 1:1)—the eternal Word, Reason, and Wisdom of God. Because Christ is God’s own Reason made flesh, philosophy is shown to be not opposed to faith, but...

Episode #3: The Church on Philosophy In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed offers a brief review of key themes from Episode 2, including the biblical command to give reasons for the faith, the need to refute false ideas about God, and the importance of intellectual formation within the Church. Building on that foundation, the episode turns to a question that surprises many: the Cat...

Episode #2: Whether One Should Study Philosophy (Continued) In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the discussion on whether Christians should study philosophy. The first portion of the episode offers a substantial review of Episode 1, revisiting the biblical foundations for reason, intellectual maturity, and the harmony of faith and reason. New material begins around the...

Episode #1: Whether One Should Study Philosophy Should Christians study philosophy—or does it threaten faith? In this first episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed argues that philosophy is not the enemy of Christianity but one of its greatest allies. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, St. Thomas Aquinas, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this lecture shows how reason and faith work toge...