Thomistic Institute at Berkeley, The
By Religion·Academic Societies
The Thomistic Institute at Berkeley is the UC Berkeley campus chapter of a global network that helps students engage with the Catholic intellectual tradition, drawing especially from the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas. Members attend lectures and events featuring leading scholars, participate in Summa reading groups, and access resources like the Aquinas 101 video library and podcast. The chapter connects students to bigger questions about purpose, truth, and the good life.
80
Number of campus chapters worldwide (more than)
2015
Year Campus Chapters program began
2009
Year Thomistic Institute founded
Events They Host
Thomistic Circles Graduate Seminar
Multi-day event for graduate students and advanced undergraduates covering topics in philosophy and theology. Includes housing, meals, Friday and Saturday night socials, and a guided discussion Sunday morning. Spring 2026 theme: 'What is a Form and How Do We Understand It?' (Feb 20-22). Fall 2026 theme: 'Honor, Glory, and Human Formation' (Sep 4-6).
Summa Reading Group
Multi-week online reading group open to all current students, led by a TI scholar. Spring 2026 session with Prof. Wes Siscoe ran Thursdays March 5-26 at 7:00 PM ET on Zoom, covering Summa Theologiae Part I-II, Questions 1-5 on the topic of happiness and the good life.
Aquinas Philosophy Workshop
Annual multi-day workshop held at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC. The 15th annual workshop (2026) covers 'Aquinas on Act and Potency,' running May 28-31.
Intellectual Retreats
Weekend-long retreats on themed topics such as 'Identity in Christ,' 'Fulfillment of God's Call,' and 'Suffering and Despair.' Applications are run on a rolling basis per retreat.
Member Experiences
TI Alumni Socials and Retreats
Alumni-only in-person and online events including socials, retreats, and Summa reading groups, available to registered TI alumni.