Alasdair MacIntyre

Alasdair MacIntyre is a Scottish philosopher primarily known for his contributions to moral and political philosophy. He is best known for his book 'After Virtue', which is a significant work in the revival of Aristotelian ethics.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. After Virtue

    A Study in Moral Theory

    This book is a critique of contemporary moral philosophy, arguing that modern ethical theories have failed to provide a coherent basis for moral judgments. The author believes that the Enlightenment project of justifying morality through reason has ultimately failed, leading to a culture of emotivism where moral arguments are reduced to expressions of personal preference. The author suggests a return to Aristotelian virtue ethics, emphasizing the importance of moral character and the role of community in ethical life.

    The 5999th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. Three Rival Versions Of Moral Inquiry

    Encyclopaedia, Genealogy, and Tradition

    This philosophical work explores the evolution and conflict of three distinct approaches to moral inquiry: the encyclopedic, the genealogical, and the traditional. It delves into how each framework interprets and evaluates moral concepts, with the encyclopedic approach rooted in Enlightenment ideals of rationality and objectivity, the genealogical approach influenced by Nietzschean skepticism and critique of power structures, and the traditional approach grounded in Aristotelian ethics and communal practices. Through a comparative analysis, the book examines the strengths and limitations of each perspective, ultimately advocating for a return to a more tradition-based understanding of moral inquiry that emphasizes historical context and community values.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  3. 3. Whose Justice? Which Rationality?

    This philosophical exploration delves into the complexities of justice and rationality by examining the historical and cultural contexts that shape different traditions of thought. It argues that diverse traditions, such as those of Aristotle, Augustine, and the Enlightenment, offer distinct and sometimes conflicting interpretations of justice and rationality. Through a comparative analysis, the work highlights how these traditions influence moral and political discourse, challenging the notion of a single, universal standard for justice. The book ultimately calls for a deeper understanding of these traditions to foster meaningful dialogue and resolve conflicts in contemporary society.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  4. 4. A Short History Of Ethics

    A History of Moral Philosophy from the Homeric Age to the Twentieth Century

    This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of ethical thought from ancient Greece to the modern era, examining how moral concepts have been shaped by historical and cultural contexts. It delves into the philosophical underpinnings of ethics, highlighting the contributions of key thinkers and the shifts in moral perspectives over time. The work critically analyzes the development of ethical theories, emphasizing the interplay between societal changes and philosophical ideas, and challenges readers to consider the implications of these historical insights for contemporary moral discourse.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org