Alasdair MacIntyre

Definition

Alasdair MacIntyre is a contemporary Scottish philosopher known for his work in moral and political philosophy, particularly for his critique of modern ethical theories and advocacy for virtue ethics. His most influential book, 'After Virtue,' argues that modern moral discourse is fragmented and that a return to Aristotelian ethics is necessary for a coherent understanding of morality. He connects Greek philosophical concepts to contemporary issues by emphasizing the importance of community, tradition, and narrative in moral development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MacIntyre's 'After Virtue' published in 1981 critiques the inadequacies of Enlightenment ethics and argues that contemporary moral discussions lack coherence without a historical context.
2. He draws heavily from Aristotelian philosophy, asserting that virtues are essential for achieving the good life and that they are best understood within the context of communities and traditions.
3. MacIntyre emphasizes that modernity has led to the fragmentation of moral discourse, making it difficult for individuals to understand what it means to lead a good life.
4. His concept of 'narrative identity' suggests that people's lives are best understood as stories that connect their past, present, and future within a community context.
5. MacIntyre's work has influenced various fields beyond philosophy, including political theory, education, and social sciences, highlighting the relevance of classical thought in contemporary discussions.

Review Questions

• How does Alasdair MacIntyre's critique of modern ethical theories relate to Greek philosophical concepts?
  • MacIntyre critiques modern ethical theories by arguing they are fragmented and lack historical context, which resonates with Greek philosophical concepts such as those found in Aristotelian ethics. He emphasizes the importance of community and tradition in understanding morality, suggesting that virtues should be cultivated within these frameworks. This reflects Aristotle's idea that individual character development is tied to the social context in which one lives.
• Discuss how MacIntyre’s notion of narrative identity contributes to our understanding of morality in contemporary society.
  • MacIntyre’s notion of narrative identity posits that individuals create their identities through stories that intertwine personal experiences with communal values. This perspective allows for a richer understanding of morality as it situates ethical behavior within a larger narrative framework. It shows that moral choices are not isolated events but part of an ongoing story shaped by cultural traditions, thereby reinforcing the importance of community in ethical discussions.
• Evaluate the implications of MacIntyre’s advocacy for virtue ethics on modern moral philosophy and its practices.
  • MacIntyre's advocacy for virtue ethics challenges modern moral philosophy by emphasizing character development over rules or consequences. This shift has significant implications for how we approach ethical education and practice, suggesting that cultivating virtues within communities leads to more meaningful moral engagement. As societies face complex ethical dilemmas, MacIntyre’s ideas encourage a return to classical roots that can provide deeper insights into living a good life amidst contemporary challenges.

Related terms

Virtue Ethics: A moral philosophy that emphasizes the role of character and virtue in ethical decision-making, as opposed to rules or consequences.

Aristotelian Ethics: A framework of ethical thought based on the teachings of Aristotle, focusing on achieving eudaimonia (flourishing) through the cultivation of virtues.

Narrative Identity: The concept that individuals form their identities through narratives or stories, connecting personal experiences with broader cultural and communal narratives.