What's Left of Philosophy 116 TEASER | Are We Losing our Morality? Alasdair MacIntyre’s After Virtue and the Nihilism of Modern Society
Jun 24, 2025
The discussion dives into Alasdair MacIntyre’s After Virtue, highlighting his critique of modern morality's fragmentation. A battle between Nietzschean nihilism and Aristotelian ethics emerges as key thinkers are explored. The podcast challenges the idea of morality as a buffet, questioning the implications of moral relativism. It critiques Kant's approach and examines the importance of community in ethical decision-making. Ultimately, the conversation suggests that living without virtue is a disheartening reality.
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Aristotle's Teleological Ethics
- Aristotle's ethics and politics focus on human flourishing through teleology, which moderns often miss.
- It's about creating conditions for people to act well, not just elite good life definitions.
Pluralism Fails Moral Resolution
- Modern pluralism fails to resolve moral clashes, leaving society no better off than past moral conflicts.
- Attempts like cosmopolitanism haven't outperformed earlier moral traditions in managing diversity.
Capitalism Fuels Moral Nihilism
- Capitalism hollows out values by prioritizing endless accumulation, which drives moral nihilism.
- This erosion leaves us choosing between Nietzsche's nihilism or Aristotle's virtue ethics.