Episode 116 – Nature Acts for an End In episode 115, Jason and Dr. Smith welcome special guest, Joe Grossheim to discuss a classical saying, “Nature Acts for an End.” We cover:– Why this is an important question– Aristotle and the Physics Book II– What is Nature?– Art and Nature– Necessity and Chance– Intelligence and chance– Nature, ends, and ethics Catholic Studies Academy · Nature Acts for an Ends Please subscribe to our
Episode 115 – Aquinas’ 4th Way In this episode, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss Aquinas’ 4th Way to understand the existence of God. We cover: – Reading the 4th Way– The uniqueness of this argument– Gradation and degree– The metaphysical foundation The 4th Way – “The fourth way is taken from the gradation to be found in things. Among beings there are some more and some less good, true, noble and the like. But
Episode 114 – Aquinas on Predestination In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the topic of predestination in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. We cover: Principles of Predestination– God is the cause of every perfection, including the good of order to an end (means and end)– Providence is God’s plan for the good of order – Providence presupposes the intention/ will of God– Everything subject to God’s infallible providence– The gravity of sin
Episode 113 – Divine Providence: The Infallible Plan of God In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the difficult but important topic of Divine Providence from the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. Does God have a plan for us? Does God’s plan ever fail? Listen and find out! We cover:– Principle of Causality– First and Second Causes– Important Corollaries– What is subject to God’s Providence– Providence and Evil– Does God cause Evil?– Does Providence
Episode 112 – Lessons from the Trial and Death of Socrates In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss lessons to be learned from the trial and death of Socrates. We cover:– Historical background– Transition to democracy from Aristocracy– The Sophists, rhetoric, and relativism– The Socratic method.– The importance of asking questions– The Trial– Philosophy helps the city– Is there a tension between politics and philosophy? Catholic Studies Academy · Lessons from the Trial And
