We live in an age of strident moral pronouncements, yet find ourselves utterly incapable of meaningful ethical debate. Shouting matches on social media and cable news have replaced reasoned argument, leaving us with the disquieting sense that our moral compass is not just broken, but shattered. This is the disorienting landscape diagnosed by the philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre, who argued that we have lost the very language required to discuss right and wrong, leaving us adrift in a sea of subjective feeling and incoherent rage.
The Diagnosis: A Lost Moral Language
Alasdair MacIntyre’s critical examination of contemporary moral philosophy contends that modern ethical frameworks have become increasingly fragmented, resulting in a pervasive moral incoherence that undermines our ability to engage in meaningful discussions about right and wrong. His analysis emphasizes the historical context of moral thought and critiques the limitations of modern individualism, drawing heavily on Aristotelian ethics to advocate for a return to virtue-based moral practices rooted in communal narratives.
Notably, MacIntyre’s seminal work, After Virtue (1981), serves as a cornerstone of his argument, positing that the loss of a shared moral language has led to confusion and ethical impoverishment in contemporary society. He asserts that without a coherent framework to articulate moral experiences, individuals struggle to navigate the complexities of moral judgment, resulting in ethical discourse that often resembles “dialogues between strangers” rather than genuine philosophical engagement. This analysis not only reflects a crisis of ethical language but also challenges the foundations of modern moral philosophy, calling for a reevaluation of how we understand morality in a pluralistic world.
MacIntyre’s critiques extend to the autonomy of individuals in relation to objective moral norms, which he argues are often dismissed as mere subjective preferences in modern discourse. This perspective has ignited debates among scholars and ethicists regarding the implications of his philosophy for contemporary moral education and the cultivation of virtue within society. Supporters and critics alike recognize the relevance of his insights in addressing the moral dilemmas faced in modern life, particularly within a context characterized by a decline in shared values and communal engagement. Ultimately, MacIntyre’s reflections urge a reconsideration of ethical practices, advocating for communities that prioritize collective moral development over individual desires in a world rife with ethical ambiguity.
About the Thinker
Alasdair MacIntyre, born on January 12, 1929, in Glasgow, Scotland, is a prominent moral and political philosopher known for his critiques of modern ethical frameworks and his advocacy for a return to Aristotelian ethics. His upbringing in a family of physicians and his education at Queen Mary College, University of London, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in classics in 1949, set the foundation for his philosophical pursuits. He continued his studies at Manchester University, obtaining an MA in Philosophy in 1951.
MacIntyre’s career has undergone significant transformations since the 1950s, yet he has consistently critiqued modern normative ethics and emphasized moral philosophy as a means of moral formation, which nurtures rational human agency and fosters political communities of rational agents. He draws heavily on the philosophies of Karl Marx and early twentieth-century emotivists like A. J. Ayer and C. L. Stevenson to critique contemporary ethical thought.
His landmark work, After Virtue, published in 1981, critiques the fragmentation of moral discourse in modern society and argues for the necessity of virtue ethics grounded in communal narratives. This work has had a profound influence on contemporary philosophy and has established MacIntyre as a leading figure in moral and political philosophy.
MacIntyre’s reflections on education and its role in moral development highlight his belief that traditional myths play a crucial role in imparting moral truths. He suggests that education should help students navigate the distinction between myth and truth, ultimately leading to a respect for the narratives that shape moral understanding. Throughout his career, MacIntyre has engaged with Marxist thought, exploring its implications for ethics and political philosophy. His essays, such as “The Theses on Feuerbach: A Road Not Taken,” reveal his ongoing engagement with Marxist ideas while also critiquing modern interpretations of morality and society.
Key Themes of MacIntyre’s Critique
Aristotelian Ethics and the Modern Context
Alasdair MacIntyre advocates for a revival of Aristotelian ethics within contemporary society. He argues that this revival is essential for establishing a coherent ethical framework that recognizes the purpose of human life and promotes the cultivation of virtue within communities. MacIntyre envisions the development of small communities akin to the ancient polis, which would be united by a shared conception of the good life, thereby fostering a politically utopian environment where ethical discussions can thrive.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotle
The Role of Tradition in Moral Inquiry
A significant theme in MacIntyre’s work is the importance of tradition in understanding moral philosophy. He posits that rationality in moral craft is rooted in its historical context, asserting that to justify a tradition is to recount its developmental narrative. This view contrasts with modern approaches to ethics, which MacIntyre critiques for lacking coherence. He emphasizes that mastery of a tradition involves recognizing past contributions while aiming for continuous improvement and greater understanding.
Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.
Gustav Mahler
Moral Incoherence and the Crisis of Ethical Language
MacIntyre identifies a prevalent moral incoherence in both individual and collective narratives, which he argues is a significant contributor to ethical impoverishment in contemporary society. This incoherence stems from a failure to adequately articulate moral experiences, leading to a thin vocabulary for moral judgments in public and private life. Consequently, individuals find it increasingly challenging to navigate moral complexities, exacerbating conflicts in moral discourse.
The Interrelation of Society and Moral Development
MacIntyre asserts that ethical judgments are shaped through habituation and practice within the structures of modern society. He highlights that as individuals engage in diverse practices within a pluralistic civil environment, they develop the capacity to recognize themselves and others as free agents. This engagement leads to a stronger sense of ethical universality, which emerges from shared experiences rather than mere theoretical concepts.
Critique of Modern Moral Philosophy
MacIntyre critiques modern normative ethics for its failure to reconcile the autonomy of individuals with the objective nature of moral rules. He dismisses contemporary attempts to achieve this reconciliation as moral fiction, arguing that the narratives of modernity often lead to ethical confusion and disconnection from genuine moral inquiry. This perspective challenges readers to reconsider the foundations of moral philosophy and the implications of ethical practices in modern life.
The Roots of Our Moral Fragmentation
The philosophical landscape of the 20th century, particularly from the 1950s onwards, was marked by significant changes in moral thought, deeply influenced by the sociopolitical environment of the early Cold War. During this period, historians in the United States began to reflect on how historical narratives were shaped by the emotivist culture prevalent in society, a phenomenon explored by Peter Novick in his work. Alasdair MacIntyre, writing during this time, argued that our understanding of history is intertwined with the loss of Aristotelian virtues, which he posited were critical for a coherent moral framework.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Philosopheasy to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.