In this disputatio lecture, Dr. David Talcott reexamines the long-standing narrative of philosophical rivalry between Plato and Aristotle. Were they truly opponents in their views on politics, virtue, and the family—or has their disagreement been overstated? Drawing from The Republic, Politics, and The Laws, Dr. Talcott explores how both philosophers—despite surface-level differences—shared a deep commitment to virtue, the spiritual structure of reality, and the essential role of the family in shaping civic life. He traces the legacy of their thought through the American founding and challenges modern assumptions about conflict, unity, and cooperation within the Church and broader society.

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