Episode 12 — The Nature of Proof

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed explores the nature of proof, soundness, and what it means for an argument to truly establish truth.

You’ll learn:

Key biblical case studies include:

This episode shows that logic is not opposed to faith—Christ reasons, proves, and exposes false assumptions using sound arguments grounded in truth.

Episode 11 — Syllogisms, Validity, and Sound Reasoning

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the formal study of logic, focusing on how arguments actually work and how to evaluate them correctly.

This lecture introduces:

Viewers learn why logic evaluates structure, not persuasion, and why the goal of logic is a sound argument—one with true premises and valid reasoning. The episode concludes with a Gospel example showing a valid but unsound argument about the resurrection.

🎓 Ideal for students of philosophy, theology, apologetics, and anyone seeking clear, disciplined reasoning.

Episode 10 — Logic, Arguments, and Validity

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the formal study of logic itself, focusing on how reason evaluates arguments and discovers truth.

This lecture explains:

Logic is not about opinion or persuasion—it is the disciplined study of whether conclusions actually follow from the reasons given. Viewers are introduced to valid vs. invalid arguments, classical examples (including Aristotle and St. Paul), and the foundational role of deductive reasoning.

The episode concludes with an introduction to the syllogism, one of the most powerful tools in philosophy, theology, and clear thinking.

Episode 9 — Starting the Basics of Logic

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed begins formal instruction in logic by explaining what arguments are and why they matter. Logic is not debate, persuasion, or emotion—it is the disciplined study of reason ordered toward truth.

This lecture introduces:

Episode 8 — Why Study Logic?

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the classical discussion of logic and Christian belief, beginning with an important review of key distinctions that are essential for understanding logic rightly.

Review: Logic and God

Do Christian Doctrines Involve Contradictions?

The Three Laws of All Thought

Through clear examples and everyday illustrations, the episode shows why difference, partial truth, or mystery are not the same as contradiction—and why these laws are unavoidable in every act of thought.

This episode lays critical groundwork for all future study in logic, philosophy, theology, and the defense of truth.

Episode 7 — Why Study Logic?

Why should we study logic at all?

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the classical introduction to logic by explaining why logic matters—especially for philosophy, theology, and the life of faith. Building on the previous discussion of order in reason itself, this lecture presents logic as unavoidable, grounded in reality, and indispensable for knowing truth.

Episode 6 — The Start of the Logic Journey

What is logic—and why does it matter?

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed begins a classical introduction to logic through Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. Logic is not debate tactics, everyday planning, or opinion-sharing. It is the study of right reason ordered toward truth.

This lecture explains:

This episode lays the foundation for the entire logic series by showing how reasoning itself must be ordered if we are to know truth about God, goodness, beauty, and moral life.

Episode #5: The Church on Philosophy (Continued)

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed concludes the Church’s teaching on philosophy by examining Pope Leo XIII’s Aeterni Patris and Pope St. John Paul II’s Fides et Ratio, before introducing the series’ next major focus: logic. The episode explains why philosophy is not optional for Christian thought, but an essential preparation for theology, catechesis, and evangelization.

Drawing on Leo XIII, the lecture shows how philosophy “smooths” and “fortifies” the intellect, enabling human reason to know God from creation and recognize that God is not merely true, but Truth itself. The Church is shown not only to recommend philosophy, but to command its use for those who teach the faith—especially when philosophy is pursued in obedience to Christian truth.

The episode also highlights the Church’s enduring esteem for St. Thomas Aquinas, whose work exemplifies the harmony of faith and reason, and concludes with John Paul II’s vision of philosophy as the “love of wisdom” and one of humanity’s noblest pursuits. Together, faith and reason form the surest path to truth and to a deeper understanding of God, the world, and the human person.

Episode #4: The Church on Philosophy (Continued)

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed continues the Catholic Church’s teaching on philosophy, beginning with a short review of Episode 3 and returning to Christ as the Divine Logos (John 1:1)—the eternal Word, Reason, and Wisdom of God. Because Christ is God’s own Reason made flesh, philosophy is shown to be not opposed to faith, but rooted in its very foundation.

The episode examines authoritative Church teaching from Vatican I, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and Pope Leo XIII’s Aeterni Patris, which affirm that God can be known with certainty by the natural light of human reason. Dr. Reed explains how philosophy prepares the intellect for revelation by addressing moral relativism, materialism, and skepticism—worldviews that render the Gospel unintelligible.

Drawing on the conversion of St. Augustine, the lecture illustrates how philosophy “smooths and fortifies” the mind, enabling it to recognize truth, moral order, and the reality of a transcendent Creator. Philosophy is presented not as a threat to faith, but as its handmaid—clearing intellectual obstacles and leading reason toward God, who is not merely true, but Truth itself.

Episode #3: The Church on Philosophy

In this episode of The Thomistic Mind, Dr. Jason Reed offers a brief review of key themes from Episode 2, including the biblical command to give reasons for the faith, the need to refute false ideas about God, and the importance of intellectual formation within the Church. Building on that foundation, the episode turns to a question that surprises many: the Catholic Church does not merely tolerate philosophy—she esteems it, teaches it, and in certain contexts obliges its study.

Grounding this teaching in Sacred Scripture, the episode presents Christ as the Divine Logos (John 1:1)—the eternal Word, Reason, and Wisdom of God. Because the Son is God’s own Reason made flesh, the pursuit of truth, logic, and intelligibility is not opposed to faith but flows from its very center. Philosophy, therefore, is shown to be a natural ally of theology and an essential preparation for understanding divine revelation.

The episode then examines authoritative Church teaching from Vatican I and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which affirm that God’s existence can be known with certainty by the natural light of human reason. This classical teaching challenges modern skepticism and calls Christians to recover confidence in reason’s ability to know objective truth. The lecture concludes with the Church’s historical witness—especially Pope Leo XIII’s Aeterni Patris—and the enduring role of St. Thomas Aquinas in uniting faith and reason.