In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the difficult but important topic of Divine Providence from the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. 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 negate Free Will?

Read Summa I, ques. 22 - https://www.newadvent.org/summa/1022.htm

Divine Providence and The Infallible Plan of God

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 and the necessity of grace

Providence rightly attributed to God
- Argument from universal and infallible providence – order to supernatural end
- Argument from grace and supernatural order
- God reprobates some 

Two Objections
23.5 ad3. Seems unjust
23.5 ad3. Why not everyone? Two answers

Humility and dependence on God

Aquinas on Predestination

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 "more" and "less" are predicated of different things, according as they resemble in their different ways something which is the maximum, as a thing is said to be hotter according as it more nearly resembles that which is hottest; so that there is something which is truest, something best, something noblest and, consequently, something which is uttermost being; for those things that are greatest in truth are greatest in being, as it is written in Metaph. ii. Now the maximum in any genus is the cause of all in that genus; as fire, which is the maximum heat, is the cause of all hot things. Therefore there must also be something which is to all beings the cause of their being, goodness, and every other perfection; and this we call God." - https://www.newadvent.org/summa/1002.htm

Aquinas 4th Way and Why it Works

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss his upcoming course in philosophy covering 20th century philosophy. We cover:
- The end of Idealism
- Husserl and Phenomenology
- Neo-Marxism
- Heidegger
- Existentialism
- Logical Positivism
- Post-modernism and more

The Crisis In Philosophy: 1900-2000

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss 4 modern objections to Christianity and how to combat them. We cover:
- Relativism
- Pluralism 
- Scientism
- Neo-Marxism

Answering Modern Objections to Christianity

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Mr. Joe Grossheim discuss the Thomist theory of human dignity, including Thomas Aquinas's controversial claim that human dignity can be lost. We also explore whether human dignity can serve as the foundation of ethics. This discussion is inspired by the recent debates surrounding Alisdair MacIntyre's critical comments regarding human dignity last year. Topics include:

- Personalism, JP2, and Human dignity
- The meaning of human dignity
- The loss of human dignity
- The true foundational principles of ethics
- The Primacy of the common good
- The psychology of human action

Related episode on the common good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT5V-wkrAKs
For more political and ethical analysis purchase Dr. Smith's book Understanding Modern Political Ideas: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

What is Human Dignity?: A Thomistic Perspective

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the current debate over abortion, the Dobbs case, and the elements of the culture war. We cover:
- The Dobbs Case
- The reaction to the Dobbs case
- The culture behind abortion
- Elements of the Abortion Worldview
- History and the Narrative
- Lifestyle
- Eschatology

Abortion And the Elements of the Culture War

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and canonist, Tyler Ross discuss the theological and canonical issues surrounding the ban of Nancy Pelosi from Holy Communion. We cover:
-	The issue
-	Is this excommunication?
-	Types of excommunications
-	Mortal Sin and Excommunication
-	Canon 915 and 916
-	The relationship of ethics and politics
-	Conditions – obstinate, manifest, and gravity (serious)
-	Scandal 
-	Bad Commentary out there
-	Clarity on the issue and the implications
-	Difficult practicalities

Pelosi, Communion, and Canon Law

Episode 125: June 24, 2022 - Victory For Virtue

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith explore the metaphysical structure of transubstantiation. The launch point for this discussion is the treatment developed by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologiae. If you have ever wanted to gain more insight into the meaning and ontology of the Eucharist this is a great opportunity for you. 

ST III.75
Natural place and time vs. sacramental place and time
The reality of the accidents
The relation of the Eucharist to Christ's risen and glorified body
The connection of the Eucharist to redemptive history

This is my Body: Aquinas and Transubstantiation

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss Hegel's view of freedom. We cover:
-  Kantian freedom: freedom of rational (universal and consistent) decision making
- Kantian freedom + mutual recognition
- Our self-recognition is only verified by the mutual recognition of someone else
- But the "other" is a problem
- Freedom and the end of history is a social and cultural achievement
- Freedom is found in the ethical and the ethical is obedience to the rational state
Watch our previous episode on the influence of Hegel and his philosophy of history - https://youtu.be/cdslgvTLFqY

Hegel On Freedom

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the sixtieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The conversation focuses on the continuity of the Council with the prior Catholic tradition. 
Through this interpretive lense, a taxonomy of approaches to Catholic faith is developed. It is hoped that this discussion will contribute to a better understanding of the Second Vatican Council and the current state of the church. 

Topics include:

Hermeneutic of Rupture vs. the Hermeneutic of Continuity
Traditionalism, Conservatism, and Progressivism
Collegiality and Papal Infallibility
The Universal Call to Holiness
The Limitations of Vatican I
The Catholic Faith in the Modern World

For more great content from Dr. Smith on philosophy, faith, politics, and culture, check out Logos Letter: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/

Vatican 2: Continuity or Rupture

Perhaps the most notorious statement in the history of philosophy is Friedrich Nietzsche's claim that "God is Dead." In this episode of "Take Every Thought Captive," Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the death of God, the rise of unbelief, and the sources of unbelief identified by Nietzsche. Ironically, Nietzsche turns out to be a useful resource for Christians, because of his keen understanding of the causes of unbelief. The conversation wraps up with a brief discussion of Dr. Smith's newest project, Logos Letter. In this new publication, Dr. Smith explores the history of philosophy, culture, politics, faith, and everything else. Subscribe for free here: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/. 

Topics include:
The meaning of the death of God
The four causes of unbelief
Christian responses to the death of God
The parable of the madman

Finally, follow Dr. Smith on Twitter: @logosletter2022.

"God Is Dead": Should Catholics Read Nietzsche?

Why do conservatives revile higher education? Is there any way for conservatives and higher education to reconcile? In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith addresses the open hostility between conservatives and higher education. He discusses conservative anti-intellectual attitudes, the "woke left," and the nature of higher education. Along the way Dr. Smith develops an Aristotelian-Thomist argument for the abiding significance of higher education for conservatives. 

Topics include:

The nature of education
The importance of higher education
Human nature
The meaning of conservatism
The classical virtue of piety
For more great content from Dr. Smith, check out logoletter2022.substack.com.

#highereducation, #conservatism, #thewokeleft

God, Conservatives ,and Higher Education: The Conservative Case for Higher Education

This week, Dr. Smith interviews special guest, Joan Watson, about the Chosen. In recent years, Joan has become a well known speaker and writer and much of her work directly interacts with the smash tv series The Chosen. If you want to engage the Chosen from a Catholic and Biblical perspective, you are going to love this episode. We discuss criticisms of the Chosen, major themes, discernment, and so much more. We hope you enjoy!

Topics:
Theological objections to images
The uses and dangers of images
Christian art
Biblical interpretation
Christian discernment
The scandal of the Incarnation

Engaging the Chosen: Images, the Bible, and Discernment

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli interviews Dr. Smith about his recent edition of Logosletter entitled, "Should we Desire Riches: The Forgotten Vice of Greed." This is a wide-ranging and detailed discussion that covers the meaning of ownership, the foundations of private property, and the spiritual effects of a disordered desire for riches. The discussion concludes with ideas about avoiding greed. Following the view of Thomas Aquinas, Dr. Smith argues that an unqualified and limitless is in fact vicious and undermines both the virtue and just community.

Topics include:

Communism
The foundations of private property
Comparison of John Locke and Thomas Aquinas 
Errors regarding property, distribution, and poverty
The connection of greed to the other vices
Stewardship

For more great philosophical content from Dr. Smith check out catholicstudiesacdemy.com and subscribe to Logoletter2022 (it's free).

Greed and the Love of Money

A recent study published by the Wall Street Journal and the University of Chicago found that traditional American values are in steep decline. Specifically, Americans were found to value patriotism, children, and religion to a far lesser degree than previous generations. In fact, the only value that has increased is the putative importance of money. 

In this episode of Take Every Thought captive Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzaccelli are joined by special guests Bob Gorman ( a scholar of international relations) and Joseph Grossheim (graduate student at the Center for Thomistic Studies). 

Topics discussed include: the causes of decline, hedonism and technology, abuses of elite power, distorted views of happiness, diversity, and possible solutions. This is a rich discussion that touches on many important points of political philosophy, geopolitics, and theological anthropology.

America in Decline

In modern political discourse, authoritarianism is often denounced but rarely defined or understood. In this exploratory discussion, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli consider the meaning and possible legitimacy of authoritarianism. The discussion focuses on ideas taken from Plato, including the paradoxical claim that doing whatever you feel like is not really freedom. This exploration pushes the limits of political legitimacy and raises important questions about the limits and meaning freedom, the individual, obedience, and corruptio. Other topics include: 

Authentic freedom 
The real good
Plato and the rule of wisdom
The common good
Curfew and Sabbath rest
God and the natural law
American decline

The Authoritarian Option: Rethinking the Limits of Political Theory

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli leads a discussion on the intersection of globalism, nationalism, and Catholic faith. This conversation was occasioned by Pope Francis's recent remarks on the subject. His Holiness suggested that Catholics should affirm both roots and bridges. What should Catholics do to affirm national and religious roots? And how should "rootedness" be balanced with building bridges to others. This is an in depth conversation that touches on the foundations of political community, natural law, and international relations. 

Topics include:
National populism
Globalism
Ideological Colonization
Pope Francis and International Relations
The Common Good
Diverse structures of international organization
International law and immigration

For more in depth content on political philosophy visit: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/

Globalism, Nationalism, and Catholicism

Many Catholics feel like they are constantly under siege from a hostile culture. We seem to lurch from one crisis or controversy to another. Even worse, local churches seem to be in permanent decline. What are the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual reasons for the current state of the church? How should we respond? Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith address these questions in this episode of Take Every Thought Captive. A thoughtful and sober discussion. Listen, share, and subscribe. 

Topics include: 
Pope Francis
Neo-Pelagianism
Early Christianity
Ancient Philosophy
Dionysian hedonism 
Christian realism
Sin, Grace, and Hope

**Check out philosophy and theology courses available from Catholic Studies Academy: https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/shop-courses/

** For more great philosophical content from Dr. Smith subscribe for free to Logosletter2022: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/

The Church in the Age of Dionysius: Challenges Facing the Church

Catholics rightly hold out their own Catholic Intellectual Tradition as an alternative to contemporary errors and aberrations. But just what is the Catholic Intellectual Tradition? What distinguishes it as a specific way of thinking about the world and man? Does it consistent primarily in learning a particular content, or is it a method? Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith take up these question in the newest episode of Take Every Thought Captive. Enjoy, subscribe, and like. Topics include:
·       Defining questions of Catholic thought
·       The relationship between thought, tradition, and community
·       The historical character of Catholic thought
·       Change and Catholicism
·       Engaging with other traditions
·       Balancing the past and the present
For more great theology and philosophy, purchase CSA courses and become a regular reader and subscriber to Logos Letter.

Just What is Catholic Intellectual Tradition?

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith explores the connection between God and politics in the thought of Thomas Aquinas. Specifically, Smith explains the hierarchical connect of God to natural law and law to God. This connection lays the basis for a naturalistic, theistic politics that is also consistent with divine law. If you are interested in the debates about politics and religion this is the episode for you. Please listen, like, and subscribe. 

Topics include:
Law, Authority, and the Common Good
Eternal law
Natural law
Divine law
Integralism and the Confessional State

How God Rules over Politics: The Hierarchy of Law According to Saint Thomas Aquinas

Famously Aristotle claims that being ("reality") is primarily said of substance and claims that substance is the basic, foundational, unity of reality. In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Mr. Grossheim (Ph.D. student in Philosophy) explain how substance is discovered through a methodical analysis of change, which culminates in the insight that real composites are always composed of form and matter, that is, that substance cannot be reduced to a more basic kind of reality. Listen, enjoy, share, and subscribe!

Topics include:
Substance and accidents
Matter, form, and privation
Reductionism and ancient atomism
Plato and the separate forms
Form-matter composition 
Design in nature

Against Reductionism

Are you confused and frustrated by current cultural trends? You are in good company. America and Europe are experiencing an unprecedented period of self-destruction. What is going on!? This episode is wide-ranging romp through the philosophical flotsam of our current cultural crisis. And we are featuring a new guest: Mr. Whit Smith --- entrepreneur, music producer, and Catholic provocateur. If you want to understand what is going on, this is the podcast for you. Listen, subscribe, and share. 

Topics include: 
Postmodernism
The Enlightenment
Utilitarianism
Scientism
Covid-19 

https://www.patreon.com/user?u=49653668
#postmodernism, #zeitgeist, #hedonism

The Decline Continues: After Post-Modernism

Dr. Bulzacchelli speaks with canonist Tyler Ross about the matrimony in the Catholic Church today from the perspective of canon law. Topics include:
Annulment
Mixed marriages
Impediments and Defects in attempted marriages

Marriage, Annulments, and Tribunals

We live in interesting times --- for better or worse. Confusion and anxiety are the hallmarks of the age. In this episode, our contributors discuss and critique the key cultural, political, and philosophical developments of 2023. The discussion covers divergent views on natalism, the sexula revolution, political power, the decline of liberalism, and so much more. Join us as we continue to explore the Catholic intellectual tradition, classical philosophy, and the world around us.  

Topics Include:
Natalism, the culture of death, the culture of life
Abortion and politics
Political power
Higher education
The common good
The failure of liberalism

#sexual_revolution, #2023, #Abortion

2023: A Year in Review

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was a leading churchman and one of the greatest Catholic theologians of the 20th century. In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli leads us on a guided tour of Ratzinger's classic text, Introduction to Christianity. In this discussion, we explore the problems of presenting Christian faith in the contemporary world, Ratzinger's dialectical engagement with existentialism, freedom, Vatican II, theology and culture, and much more. You will not want to miss this episode. 

Topics include:

Existentialism
Postmodernism
Jean Paul Sartre
Martin Heidegger 
Freedom
God and Modern Indifference
Theological Enculturation 

For more great philosophical content check out Dr. Smith's Logos Letter: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/. 

For a Thomistic critique of modern political ideas, see Dr. Smith' book, Understanding Modern Political Ideas: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1

Ratzinger's Introduction to Christianity

The Liberal Arts and the Renewal of Western Civilization

Description:
#liberalarts, #Western_civilization, #Classical_Education

Have you ever heard of the liberal arts? Maybe when you were applying for college? But you probably don't know that the liberal arts are at the heart of western civilization? In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith explores the history, meaning, and value of the liberal arts. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the role of education in shaping the world around us. Listen. Learn theology. Explore philosophy.  

Topics include:
The decline of education
Citizenship
The liberal arts
Postmodernism and deconstruction
The spirit of Western Civilization

For more great philosophical content check out Dr. Smith's Logos Letter: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/. For a Thomistic critique of modern political ideas, see Dr. Smith' book, Understanding Modern Political Ideas: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-...

The Liberal Arts and the Renewal of Western Civilization

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli explore the unique character and ethos of medieval philosophy. The discussion focuses on distinguishing characteristics, the decline of the Roman empire, the intersection of faith and reason, and especially the enduring value of medieval philosophical thought. Join in, subscribe, and share with others! 

Topics:
The Fall of the Roman Empire
The Carolingian Renaissance 
The Catholic Church
Metaphysics
Faith and Reason
Civilization theory

This discussion is based on a forthcoming essay over at logosletter2022.substack.com.

The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy: Creative Retrieval

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith are joined by our special guest, Joseph Grossheim, a doctoral student in philosophy at the University of St. Thomas’ Thomistic Institute to discuss Progressivism in political philosophy. We cover:
-	The need for the study of political philosophy
-	Defining Progressivism
-	Progress toward what?
-	Maximize aggregate satisfaction vs common good
-	Progressivism vs Libertarian
-	Utilitarianism and Progressivism
-	“As equal as possible”
Get a copy of Dr. Smith's book - https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians-ebook/dp/B08M99QP5B/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=benjamin+smith+book&qid=1609152062&sr=8-2

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