The Josias Podcast, Episode XI: After Virtue

In 'Either/Or', Kierkegaard juxtaposes the aesthetic and ethical modes of life through the writings of two imaginary characters, 'A' and 'B'. Part 1, written by 'A', presents the aesthetic man, with essays on topics such as Mozart’s 'Don Giovanni', ancient tragedy, and the famous 'Seducer’s Diary'. Part 2, written by 'B', a middle-aged judge, advocates for an ethical life, emphasizing the importance of commitments like marriage and the development of the inner self. The book is a rich and suggestive exploration of existential choices, though it lacks a clear message, leaving interpretations open to the reader. It also includes a final sermon that highlights the limitations of both worldviews and points towards a religious perspective.

Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.

Principia Ethica, published in 1903, is a seminal work in ethics that shifted the study of ethics from normative questions to issues of 'metaethics,' the study of ethical concepts. Moore critiques conventional ethical theories and introduces the concept of the 'naturalistic fallacy,' which argues against conflating moral terms with natural properties. The book distinguishes between questions related to the intrinsic goodness of things and those concerning the rightness of actions, emphasizing the importance of understanding what is meant by 'good' before attempting to define it.