Program description:

What is the nature and meaning of human sexual difference? Is it a stable reality given to us by nature and nature's God for fixed and discernable purposes that pertain to not only body and biology, but also soul and spirit? Is it an evolved (and evolving) trait best explained in terms of its capacity to prolong the survival of megalomaniacal genes? Or is it rather a kind of illusion whose appearance is held in place by social and political forces that seek to maintain their privilege and power?

This talk explores the fundamental presuppositions and positions of three rival theories of human sexual difference: The Thomistic, Evolutionary, and Post-structuralist. Having summarized the conclusions and foundations of each school of thought, it reflects on how often unheeded foundational differences account for much of why we too often talk past each other, seeming to inhabit different worlds, when speaking of sexual difference.

Our COVID response for our lectures

Our in-person attendance is limited in accordance with the City of Austin’s most current Covid guidelines. In-person attendance is offered on a first come first serve basis. All other participants will be emailed a Zoom link.

About our scholar

Professor Timothy Fortin

Assistant Professor and Chair of Philosophical Theology, Seton Hall University

Timothy P. Fortin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Chair of Philosophical Theology, earned an M.A. in Philosophy from The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, and an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, Arlington, VA. He received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome, Italy. His doctoral dissertation is titled, Fatherhood and Perfection of Masculine Identity: A Thomistic Account in Light of Contemporary Science. Dr. Fortin’s areas of specialization include the philosophy of psychology and the philosophy of fatherhood. Among his classes are History of Philosophy I, Philosophy of Being and Philosophy of Nature.

About this semester's themes:

The Great Divides

Polarization is a buzz word and all one has to do is spend a few minutes on the internet or watching TV to figure out why. On issue after issue, we are divided. From constitutional law to climate change to the relationship between religion and science, the spring 2021 semester's programming at the Austin Institute is designed to convey a sense of the landscape, to map out many of the biggest disagreements separating Americans.