The Thomistic Institute

Fr. John Mark Solitario discusses the dignity of the poor as being made in God's image, emphasizing the Catholic perspective on poverty, human dignity, and the theological insights of St. Thomas Aquinas regarding the image of God in humanity. This lecture was given on April 12th, 2024, at The Dominican House of Studies . For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/u...

Fr. Andrew Hofer discusses St. Leo the Great who was pope from 440 to 461 AD. St. Leo preached extensively on the importance of almsgiving and caring for the poor, emphasizing Christ's presence in them. His teachings united doctrine and pastoral practice, encouraging both rich and poor to practice charity while recognizing the dignity and humanity of those in need. His sermons countered allegation...

Professor Candace Vogler explores the concept of the highest good in philosophy, comparing views from John Stuart Mill, Immanuel Kant, and Thomas Aquinas, and examining how humans can orient themselves towards this ultimate goal. This lecture was given on April 8th, 2024, at University of Rochester. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About t...

Join Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. of Aquinas 101, Godsplaining, and Pints with Aquinas for an off-campus conversation with Prof. Brad Gregory about intellectual genealogy, what virtues are needed for historians, the unintended consequences of the Reformation, and the theological implications of history. You can watch this interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/NWOCOBsDw_U About the speaker: Brad S....

This is the second of a two-part lecture series. Sister Anna Wray explores the nature of studying, distinguishing it from activities like spectating, memorizing, and puzzling. She explains how consecrated study differs from sacred study and offers guidance on surrendering the work of studying to God's action. She concludes with practical advice on cultivating discipline and delight in studying to...

Professor Chris Baglow discusses the relationship between faith and science, focusing on the interpretation of Genesis 1 and its compatibility with modern scientific understanding. By comparing Genesis to ancient Near Eastern creation myths, Professor Baglow demonstrates how the biblical account lays the groundwork for both Christian theology and scientific inquiry. This lecture was given on Novem...

Father Andrew Hofer examines Saint Augustine's profound connection to Matthew 25:31-46, particularly the phrase "You did it for me," which Augustine considered one of the most moving passages in Scripture. The lecture explores how Augustine applied this passage to interpret the Psalms and understand Christ's hidden presence in various forms, including the incarnation, the Church, the Eucharist, Sc...

Professor Joshua Benson explores Mary's role as a model for the Church and believers, focusing on her spiritual transformation and her exemplary reception of God's Word. Drawing from various theological sources, including Franciscan texts and Bernard of Clairvaux's writings, this talk examines Mary's immaculate conception, her response to the Annunciation, and her contemplative nature. Professor B...

In this first of two lectures Fr. Stephen Ryan explores the concept of Lectio Divina as a uniquely Christian form of meditation, rooted in Scripture and Christ's teachings. He outlines the process of sacred study, which involves reading, meditation, and prayer, highlighting the importance of engaging with Scripture as a means of encountering God. The speaker also emphasizes the transformative powe...

Fr. Thomas Petri provides an overview of Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body, discussing its origins, key themes, and philosophical underpinnings. This lecture was given on March 23rd, 2024, at The Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Father Thomas Petri, O.P. is the President of the Pontific...

Dr. Farr Curlin explores the debate over medical practitioners refusing patients' requests for morally contested interventions, comparing two conflicting models of medical practice. He critiques the "provider of services" model, which prioritizes patient autonomy and well-being, and advocates for the "way of medicine" approach, which focuses on preserving and restoring patient health. Curlin argue...

Father Innocent Smith explores the theological understanding of beauty as a reflection of God's nature, emphasizing its importance in Christian liturgy and worship. He examines how beauty is expressed through various forms of liturgical art, including architecture, visual arts, and music, highlighting the diversity of aesthetic expressions within the Church. The lecture concludes by discussing how...

Sr. Catherine Joseph Droste explores the human desire for happiness, the impact of original sin, and God's redemptive plan through a theological and philosophical lens. This lecture was given on July 3rd, 2024, at Glencomeragh House . For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Sister Catherine Joseph Droste, O.P. is a Professor St...

Join Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. of Aquinas 101, Godsplaining, and Pints with Aquinas for an off-campus conversation with Fr. James Brent, O.P. about the depth of St. John Paul II's philosophy, specifically focusing on his methodology, metaphysics of love, and understanding of human dignity and freedom. You can watch this interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/IDLxEsBuRjM . About the speaker: ...

Fr. Michael Sherwin explores the historical shift from virtue-based ethics to a more voluntarist approach in Catholic moral theology, particularly during the Baroque period. He argues that this shift led to a fragmentation of theological disciplines and a focus on rules and consequences rather than human flourishing. The renewal of virtue ethics is presented as a necessary step to heal this fragme...

Sister Catherine Joseph Droste explores St. Catherine of Siena's teachings on virtue, emphasizing her relevance to modern times and her complementary approach to St. Thomas Aquinas. She explains Catherine's metaphor of the "tree of charity" and how virtues are interconnected, with charity as the mother of all virtues. The lecture delves into the importance of humility, self-knowledge, and the prac...

Father Michael Sherwin explores the renewal of moral theology by examining two conceptions of freedom: freedom of indifference and freedom for excellence. He uses analogies from craftsmanship and the arts to illustrate how rules and freedom are interrelated, arguing that true freedom comes from internalizing and creatively applying the rules of a discipline. He then connects this understanding to...

Sr. Anna Wray delves into the philosophical question of whether friendship with a simple God is possible, using Aristotle's teachings as a foundation and comparing them to Thomas Aquinas' perspective. The speaker analyzes Aristotle's concepts of friendship, human contemplation, and divine activity, highlighting the challenges in applying these ideas to a relationship with God. The discussion then...

Professor Jordan Wales explores the evolution of AI from symbolic to statistical methods, highlighting the capabilities and limitations of modern AI systems. It delves into the concept of personhood, tracing its origins from classical times through Christian theology to modern interpretations, and argues that current AI lacks the consciousness and interiority necessary for true personhood. He conc...

Professor Jeffrey Brower explores the traditional doctrine of divine simplicity, which states that God is identical to His attributes. He examines the historical context, including perspectives from Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas, and addresses the standard objection raised by contemporary analytic philosophers. Brower proposes a "truth maker" interpretation of divine simplicity as an alternative...

Professor W. Matthews Grant examines the tension between divine simplicity and divine freedom in Christian theology, particularly in the context of God's act of creation. He presents and analyzes arguments that suggest divine simplicity might preclude God's ability to create freely, including the modal collapse argument. Grant then explores various approaches to resolving this conflict, with a foc...

Professor Gregory Doolan discusses how Aquinas reconciles his understanding of participation with divine simplicity. He discusses the meaning of participation, its types, and how God can be present in all things while remaining transcendent. This lecture was given on May 31, 2024, at Mount Saint Mary College. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-even...

Aquinas contends that although we cannot know God's essence, we can meaningfully ask and answer the question of His existence. Professor Doolan employs Aristotelian scientific methodology to reason from observable effects to a first cause, which he identifies as God. This lecture was given on April 5th, 2024, at New York University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticins...

Are Aquinas' Five Ways for proving the existence of God still relevant today? Join Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. of Aquinas 101, Godsplaining, and Pints with Aquinas for an off-campus conversation with Prof. Robert Koona & Prof. Daniel Bonevac about new insights that contemporary scholars glean from these arguments after 750 years. You can watch this interview on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com...

This lecture was given on March 13th, 2024, at University of Washington. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies) is from Pennsylvania and graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He previously served as the Assistant Director of Campus Outreach for the Thomistic I...