Catholic Studies Academy
Catholic Studies Academy empowers Catholics to strengthen their faith through the systematic study of philosophy and theology in a flexible and affordable way. Join NowFREE QUARANTINE COURSE!
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Art, Education, and Perfection
Often those of us who have benefited from a classical education bemoan the decline of the liberal arts in education, but fail to provide a clear rational for its value. Worse still, sometimes we seek to justify the liberal arts in pragmatic, capitalist, or utilitarian...
Episode 62: The Virtuous Soldier
The Virtuous Soldier In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the idea of virtue and the soldier. We cover:- An application of the primacy of the common good- What is a soldier- Is it good to be a soldier- Combat and lethal force- The virtues of a soldier-...
Episode 61: Political Wisdom and the Common Good
Political Wisdom and the Common Good In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the third principle or the primacy of the common good. We cover:- Review of first two principles- Man is naturally political- The political community is the 'perfect' community- The...
Episode 60: The Principles of Political Wisdom
The Principles of Political Wisdom In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss what the classics have to offer us with regards to political wisdom. We cover:- Political wisdom is not political science- Man is naturally political- Politics has a natural end, therefore...
Episode 59: Changing World, Unchanging God
Changing World, Unchanging God In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss St. Thomas' 2nd way of demonstrating God's existence. We cover:- We live in a changing world- Secondary or intermediary causes- The Efficient Cause- Absurd positions against this way-...
Real Education is the Cultivation of Human Nature
Education is neither science nor magic. It is not a machine because man, the subject of education, is not a machine; it is not magic because man is not reducible to a material mechanism that may be manipulated by natural or “magical” processes. The essential problem...
Episode 058 – Classical Realism: A Clear Path to Truth
Classical Realism: A Clear Path to Truth In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith continue their discussion on the Problem of Knowledge and discuss the topic of Classical Realism. We cover:- Overcoming errors to truth- Epistemology- Defining Classical Realism- Dialectic...
What if the Devil Isn’t Real?
Controversy arose recently, when Fr. Arturo Sosa Abascal, S.J., the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, declared that the devil is only a symbol of evil, not an actual personal entity. This reading of Fr. Sosa’s comments isn’t a matter of interpretation. He...
Episode 057 – The Problem of Knowledge
The Problem of Knowledge In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss issues surrounding the attainment of knowledge. we cover:- What is knowledge?- What is epistemology?- "How do you know that?"- Questions regarding "justification" of belief- Skepticism- Whether...
Episode 056 – Nature and Grace
Nature and Grace In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the classical distinction between nature and grace. We cover:- Modern challenges to the classical distinction- What is nature/natural- Isn't everything from God?- The interaction of grace with nature- Real...
Episode 055 – The Reality of Human Evil
The Reality of Human Evil In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the reality of human evil and the cultural disregard for it. We cover:- The denial or diminishing of the reality or gravity of human evil- Erroneous Arguments- Catholic Responses- Flatly against...
Education is Neither Science nor Magic
EDUCATION IS NOT A SCIENCE Education is not a science and despite what the education industry promotes there is no magic formula for making everyone brilliant and successful. Taken together these theses constitute a heresy that offends the deepest held beliefs of...
Episode 054 – The Destructive Effects of Modernism on 20th Century Catechesis
The Destructive Effects of Modernism on 20th Century Catechesis In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss Modernism and Anthropocentrism in Catechesis throughout the 20th century. We cover:- The philosophical underpinnings of Modernism- The influence of Kant- What...
What’s the Most Important Measure of Success in a Catholic School?
In our time, most Catholic Schools in the United States, from the lowest to the highest levels of education, seek accreditation from secular, regional accrediting agencies. These agencies require schools to undertake extensive self-studies in which they examine...
Episode 053 – Dominicans vs Franciscans: Universals and the Struggle for the Medieval Mind
Dominicans vs Franciscans: Universals and the Struggle for the Medieval Mind In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the idea of Universals and trace its development in Medieval thought. We cover:- Plato and the Idea of Universals- Universals and Particulars-...
Episode 052 – Dare We Hope that All Men are Saved?
Dare We Hope that All Men are Saved? In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss salvation and the idea that all men might be saved. We cover:- Hans Urs Von Balthasar and Bishop Barron- Strict Universalism- Scriptural Passages pointing to universalism and damnation-...
Does the Seamless Garment Approach Really Make Sense?
Guest post By Joseph Grossheim The original pro-life position was a reaction against the Roe v. Wade decision. Roe v. Wade claims that procuring an abortion cannot be prohibited by law, the pro-life position in its purest form upholds that no abortion can be procured...
Episode 051 – The Importance of Theology for Marriage and Family: The Legacy of John Paul II
The Importance of Theology for Marriage and Family: The Legacy of John Paul II Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the legacy of John Paul II and in particular his moral theology. In this episode we cover: - The philosophical project of JP II- The gift of self in...
