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After Virtue

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( 6,214 ratings, 579 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre is a philosophical exploration of the concept of virtue and its role in modern ethical theory. The book critically examines the decline of moral discourse in contemporary society and argues for a return to Aristotelian ethics. It offers a robust analysis of historical and modern viewpoints, making a case for the importance of virtue ethics in achieving a cohesive moral framework.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are interested in exploring the history and critique of moral philosophy. It provides an insightful analysis of modern ethical thought and the breakdown of moral consensus in contemporary society.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Alasdair MacIntyre's After Virtue revolutionises the landscape of moral philosophy by meticulously analysing the roots and consequences of the decline in moral discourse. The narrative embarks on an intellectual journey, beginning with a bleak depiction of contemporary moral debates which, MacIntyre argues, are fragmented and incoherent. As the plot unfolds, he traces this crisis back to the Enlightenment period, claiming that the attempt to create a rational foundation for morality during this era ultimately failed, leading to the disarray observed in modern ethical discussions. He contends that the Enlightenment project severed morality from its original context and communal practices, leaving behind a disjointed moral framework.

In his search for solutions, MacIntyre turns to the rich tradition of Aristotelian ethics, proposing a return to the concept of virtue as the key to restoring coherence and meaning in moral discourse. By reviving Aristotle's emphasis on virtues, communal life, and the notion of the good life, MacIntyre seeks to re-establish a moral philosophy that is deeply rooted in historical context and communal practice. He explores various forms of ethical thought and dissect how they failed to provide a solid foundation for morality, moving towards his argument that virtues cultivated within communities oriented towards a shared conception of the good are essential for a coherent ethical life.

First published in 1981, After Virtue was met with a wave of controversy and acclaim, challenging the prevailing philosophical paradigms of the time. The book's provocative critique of modern moral philosophy and its bold advocacy for a return to Aristotelian ethics made it a seminal and transformative text in the field. Now, more than thirty years later, After Virtue continues to be a cornerstone in contemporary moral philosophy, essential reading for anyone grappling with the complexities of ethical theory and the quest for moral clarity in today's world.

The profound insights presented in After Virtue are not only of academic interest but also of practical significance, urging a reevaluation of how we live our ethical lives. MacIntyre's work implores readers to consider the importance of virtues and communal narratives, offering a path forward amidst the moral confusion of the modern age.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre is widely praised for its profound critique of modern moral philosophy and its compelling argument for a return to Aristotelian ethics. Reviewers commend the book for its intellectual rigour and the depth of its historical analysis, though some note it can be challenging for those not well-versed in philosophy. Overall, it is regarded as a crucial read for those interested in ethical theory and moral philosophy.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780936253

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 April 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 446g

Pages: 360

About the Author

Alasdair MacIntyre is Senior Research Professor of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame. He is the author of several bestselling books, including After Virtue, Whose Justice? Which Rationality?, and A Short History of Ethics (a Routledge Classic).

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