49 pages • 1 hour read
Alasdair MacIntyreAfter Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1981A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre explores the breakdown of modern moral discourse, arguing that current moral frameworks are impoverished remnants of older traditions, particularly the Aristotelian concept of teleology. MacIntyre analyzes the historical shift away from these traditions, critiques Enlightenment and 19th-century philosophies, especially those of Nietzsche and Marx, and ultimately suggests a return to Aristotelian ethics as a remedy to moral anarchy, urging a re-evaluation of our moral roots to prevent societal decay.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Alasdair MacIntyre’s After Virtue is lauded for its profound critique of modern moral philosophy and its compelling argument for a return to Aristotelian ethics. Reviewers appreciate its intellectual rigor and insightful analysis of virtue ethics. However, some criticize its dense prose and theoretical complexity, which may challenge less experienced readers. Overall, it's a significant contribution to ethical philosophy.
Who Should Read After Virtue?
Readers who are fascinated by moral philosophy, the critique of modernity, and the revival of Aristotelian ethics will appreciate After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre. Comparable books include Charles Taylor's Sources of the Self and Alasdair MacIntyre's own Whose Justice? Which Rationality?.