After Virtue

Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a profound critique of modern moral philosophy, arguing that it has become fragmented and lacks coherence compared to classical approaches. Central to his argument is the idea that modernity's shift away from teleological ethics, particularly during the Enlightenment, led to this fragmentation. He contrasts this with Aristotle's view, which emphasizes a shared telos or purpose within a community as the foundation of ethical life.

MacIntyre critiques modern thinkers like Kant and Mill for relying on abstract principles without grounding them in shared traditions, resulting in moral relativism. He highlights the importance of tradition and community in shaping morality, arguing against individualistic approaches that ignore cultural context.

While he acknowledges Nietzsche's critique of Enlightenment ideals, MacIntyre finds his solution insufficient due to its continued emphasis on individualism. Instead, MacIntyre advocates for a return to Aristotle's teleological ethics, which he believes offers a more cohesive framework for addressing modern moral challenges.

Reception of the book is mixed, with some critics appreciating its critique of modernity but questioning how a revived Aristotelian tradition would function in contemporary society. Others note that while MacIntyre challenges individualism, his integration of communal ethics raises questions about handling conflicts between differing traditions.

In summary, "After Virtue" advocates for a return to a community-based, teleological approach to ethics as a means to overcome the fragmentation of modern moral philosophy.