What's Left of Philosophy 116 TEASER | Are We Losing our Morality? Alasdair MacIntyre’s After Virtue and the Nihilism of Modern Society
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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.