Are you becoming a moral zombie? Join Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. of Aquinas 101, Godsplaining, and Pints with Aquinas for an off-campus conversation with Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P. about artificial intelligence, why ChatGPT is damaging personal relationships in the classroom, how AI could be destroying virtue, and the eschatological implications of artificial intelligence. You can watch this interview on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg8a_6nJzVA . About the speaker: Fr. Anselm Ramelow,...
Sep 12, 2024•38 min
Professor Vicenzo Tamma delves into the fascinating world of quantum optics, explaining key concepts such as wave-particle duality, quantum superposition, and interference through experiments like the double-slit and beam splitter. He discusses how these quantum phenomena challenge classical physics and lead to intriguing effects like photon bunching and quantum beats. The lecture also touches on the practical applications of quantum optics in emerging technologies, including quantum sensing, co...
Sep 11, 2024•35 min
Sister Jane Dominic Laurel explores the concept of vocation, highlighting its connection to holiness and the cross. She discusses the cruciform nature of marriage, using the example of a Croatian village with a zero percent divorce rate, and outlines pitfalls in discerning one's vocation. This lecture was given on June 28th, 2024, at The Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Sr. Jane Dominic Laur...
Sep 10, 2024•55 min
This panel discussion between Fr. Ambrose Little and Professor Jonathan Lunine explores the relationship between science and faith. They specifically highlight the historical contributions of religious scientists, challenging the mistaken notion that there is intrinsic conflict between the Catholic faith and science. They emphasize the importance of philosophy as a bridge between theology and science and discuss efforts to promote collaboration between scientists, philosophers, and theologians. ...
Sep 09, 2024•30 min
Dr. Jennifer Frey discusses St. Thomas Aquinas's understanding of sin as a privation of good and a failure to achieve one's proper end. Aquinas attributes the causes of sin to human nature's fallen state, resulting in a darkened intellect, disturbed passions, and a disordered will, which can lead to sins of ignorance, weakness, or malice. This lecture was given on February 15th, 2024, at The University of Tulsa. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming...
Sep 06, 2024•55 min
This lecture was given on February 3rd, 2024, at The Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Michael Root is Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Earlier in life, he was a Lutheran, teaching at various Lutheran seminaries and serving ten years as a Research Professor at the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France. He was re...
Sep 05, 2024•36 min
Dr. R. Jared Staudt argues that the problem of our time is acedia, a spiritual sloth manifested through frenetic activity and distraction. He proposes leisure, defined as the freedom to engage in our highest human actions, as the solution to this problem. The talk explores the nature of leisure, its relationship to contemplation, and how it can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves, reality, and ultimately, God. This lecture was given on February 29h, 2024, at University of North Texas ...
Sep 04, 2024•50 min
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/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Fr. John Mark Solitario is a coordinator for campus outreach at the...
Sep 03, 2024•45 min
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 allegations of dehumanizing the poor, instead promoting a view of deification that perfects humanity through G...
Sep 02, 2024•42 min
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 the Speaker: Candace Vogler is the David B. and Clare E. Stern Professor of Philosophy at the Univers...
Aug 30, 2024•40 min
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. Gregory is Henkels Family College Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame, where he ha...
Aug 29, 2024•54 min
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 facilitate surrender to the Holy Spirit. This lecture was given on June 29th, 2024, at The Dominican...
Aug 28, 2024•17 min
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 November 10th, 2024, at College of William and Mary For more information on upcoming events, visit us at ...
Aug 27, 2024•49 min
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, Scripture, and especially the poor. Hofer emphasizes how Augustine's interpretation of this passage sh...
Aug 26, 2024•33 min
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 Benson also emphasizes how Mary's choices and dedication to God made her "formidable" and set apart, ...
Aug 23, 2024•44 min
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 power of God's word and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding prayer, while distinguishing Christian me...
Aug 22, 2024•16 min
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 Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies, where he also serves as a...
Aug 21, 2024•30 min
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 argues that conscience is an essential aspect of clinical judgment and that physicians must act according...
Aug 20, 2024•42 min
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 liturgical beauty helps cultivate virtue and deepen faith, even in challenging circumstances. This ...
Aug 19, 2024•45 min
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 Straordinaria of theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), where she has...
Aug 16, 2024•42 min
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. James Dominic Brent, O.P. was born and raised in Michigan. He completed his doctorate in Philosophy ...
Aug 15, 2024•46 min
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 fragmentation and return to a more integrated understanding of moral theology that includes grace, human n...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 10 min
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 practical application of virtues in relation to one's neighbor. This lecture was given on July 4th, 2024...
Aug 13, 2024•57 min
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 the Christian life, presenting Christ as the master and Christians as apprentices on "the way," ulti...
Aug 12, 2024•38 min
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 shifts to Thomas Aquinas' approach, noting how his views differ from Aristotle's and potentially off...
Aug 09, 2024•44 min
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 concludes by examining behaviorist approaches to AI and intelligence, warning against redefining human c...
Aug 08, 2024•52 min
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 to the problematic "property" account, arguing that this approach avoids category mistakes while mai...
Aug 07, 2024•35 min
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 focus on the "identity approach" and its potential drawbacks. This lecture was given on June 1st, 2024,...
Aug 06, 2024•57 min
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-events About the Speaker: Gregory T. Doolan received his B.A. in political theory from Georgetown Univer...
Aug 05, 2024•57 min
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 thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Gregory T. Doolan received his B.A. in political theor...
Aug 02, 2024•58 min
