Dominican House of Studies | Washington, D.C.

Does the soul exist? And if so, what exactly is it?

For our spring Thomistic Circles, we have invited scholars with Thomistic and non-Thomistic perspectives to speak on the existence and nature of the soul. Along with a Thomistic investigation into identity, we will hear papers about Aristotle, Descartes, and even how an eliminativist understands the doctrine of the Resurrection of the body. Join us for what promises to be an exciting exchange among philosophers of the soul.

Graduate students and advanced undergraduates can apply to participant in the Thomistic Circles Student Forum. For more information and to fill out the application, click here.

What? A two-day conference on the existence and essence of the soul.

Where? Dominican House of Studies (487 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20017)

When? Friday, Feb. 17 at 2:30 pm - Saturday, Feb, 18 at 5:00 pm

Each talk concludes with time for Q&A. Light refreshments, including snacks and coffee, will be served between the lectures. 

Featuring: 

Fr. James Brent, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies)

Prof. Trenton Merricks (University of Virginia)

Prof. Ian McCready-Flora (University of Virginia)

Prof. Jorge Secada (University of Virginia)

Prof. Sarah Byers (Boston College)

Schedule

Friday

2:30 - 3:30 PM:

“Descartes’s Mind”
by Prof. Jorge Secada (University of Virginia)

4:00 - 5:00 PM:

“Descartes and 'The Aristotelians' on the Soul as the Life of the Body”
by Prof. Sarah Byers (Boston College)

Saturday

9:00 - 10:00 AM

Topic to be announced
Prof. Ian McCready-Flora (University of Virginia)

10:30 - 11:30 AM

“Resurrection of the Body”
by Prof. Trenton Merricks (University of Virginia)

1:15 - 2:15 PM

“Spirit, Soul, and Body according to Thomas Aquinas”
by Fr. James Brent, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies)

2:30 - 3:30 PM

Quodlibetal Panel