Human reason: what is it? How does it cooperate with faith and the will? How can we distinguish between authentic reason and its counterfeits—particularly in an age of relativism, pluralism, scientism, and artificial intelligence?
Here to unpack a heavy topic is Fr. Gregory Pine, a Dominican friar, instructor at Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC. You may recognize his voice as a frequent contributor to podcasts like Godsplaining and Pints with Aquinas. Following a talk with our juniors, Fr. Pine graciously joined us in the studio to offer a wealth of ideas on this natural capacity and inclination to understand God’s world.
Chapters:
5:19 Defining human reason
8:23 Modern preference for practical reason
12:17 Modern preference for relativism
17:18 Faith, reason, and the will assist each other
24:05 Teaching apologetics today
28:26 Finding truth in a pluralist world
34:59 AI: a counterfeit of intellect
41:30 AI: an anthropology
44:36 Closing thoughts from Arthur Brooks, Thomas Aquinas, and Aristotle
Links:
Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly by Fr. Gregory Pine
The Dominican House of Studies, home of the Pontifical Faculty and The Thomistic Institute
Godsplaining Podcast hosted by the Dominican friars of the Dominican House of Studies
Beauty for Truth’s Sake by Stratford Caldecott
“Why You Should Go with Your Gut” by Arthur Brooks
Featured opportunities:
Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 16-20, 2025)
Convivium for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 13-15, 2025)