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:
00:05:19 Defining human reason
00:08:23 Modern preference for practical reason
00:12:17 Modern preference for relativism
00:17:18 Faith, reason, and the will assist each other
00:24:05 Teaching apologetics today
00:28:26 Finding truth in a pluralist world
00:34:59 AI: a counterfeit of intellect
00:41:30 AI: an anthropology
00:44:36 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)