Alasdair MacIntyre

Alasdair MacIntyre

Alasdair MacIntyre is a Scottish philosopher known for his contributions to moral philosophy, political philosophy, and the history of philosophy. Born on January 12, 1929, in Glasgow, Scotland, MacIntyre has been a significant figure in contemporary philosophical discourse, particularly in the areas of ethics and political theory. His work is characterized by a critique of modern moral theory and an advocacy for a return to Aristotelian ethics, articulated through a communitarian perspective.

Early Life and Education

Alasdair MacIntyre was born into a working-class family in Glasgow. He pursued his education at Queen Mary College, London, where he studied classics and philosophy, showing early interest in the works of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas. MacIntyre's academic journey led him to the University of Manchester, where he furthered his exploration into philosophy, eventually earning a Doctorate in Philosophy.

Career

MacIntyre's academic career spanned several prestigious institutions. He held teaching positions at the University of Manchester, the University of Leeds, the University of Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame, among others. Throughout his career, MacIntyre has been influential in shaping the discourse around virtue ethics and the critique of modernity.

Philosophical Contributions

MacIntyre's philosophical work is extensive, covering various aspects of moral and political theory. His most notable contribution is his book After Virtue (1981), where he argues that modern moral philosophy has led to a breakdown in moral discourse, which he terms the "emotivist culture." He critiques the enlightenment project's attempt to justify morality rationally and proposes a return to a virtue ethics based on the traditions of Aristotle and Aquinas.

In After Virtue, MacIntyre posits that the enlightenment's failure to provide a coherent moral framework has resulted in a moral landscape where values are incommensurable and subjective. He suggests that a revival of Aristotelian ethics, which emphasizes virtues and the common good within the context of a community, offers a way out of the moral crisis of modernity.

Following After Virtue, MacIntyre expanded on his critique of modernity and his advocacy for virtue ethics in subsequent works, including Whose Justice? Which Rationality? (1988), Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry (1990), and Dependent Rational Animals (1999). These works further elaborate on the importance of tradition in moral reasoning, the role of community in shaping moral values, and the necessity of acknowledging human vulnerability and dependence in ethical considerations.

Impact and Legacy

Alasdair MacIntyre's work has had a profound impact on contemporary moral and political philosophy. His critique of modernity and his call for a return to a more traditional, virtue-based ethical framework have influenced a wide range of philosophical debates and discussions. MacIntyre's emphasis on the importance of community and tradition in moral reasoning has contributed significantly to the development of communitarian philosophy and has sparked renewed interest in the works of Aristotle and Aquinas.

Selected Works

• After Virtue (1981)
• Whose Justice? Which Rationality? (1988)
• Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry (1990)
• Dependent Rational Animals (1999)

See Also

• Virtue ethics
• Communitarianism
• Aristotle
• Thomas Aquinas