Remembering Alastair MacIntyre w/ Dr. Christopher Kaczor

The Compendium Theologiae, also known as the Compendium of Theology, is an unfinished work by Thomas Aquinas that provides a concise overview of Christian theology. Written in the form of a manual, it covers topics such as the nature of God, creation, the sacraments, and the last things. Though incomplete, the Compendium offers a systematic presentation of Aquinas's theological thought, drawing on Scripture, reason, and the teachings of the Church Fathers. Its clear and accessible style makes it a valuable resource for understanding Aquinas's synthesis of faith and reason. The Compendium Theologiae remains a significant work in the history of theology.

'Three Rival Versions of Moral Inquiry' delves into the conflicts between different approaches to moral and philosophical inquiry in contemporary Western thought. MacIntyre identifies three main traditions: the encyclopedic tradition, genealogical tradition, and the tradition of Thomistic Aristotelianism. He examines the underlying assumptions, methods, and goals of each tradition, highlighting their incommensurability and the challenges they pose for rational discourse. The book critiques the modern tendency to separate facts from values and emphasizes the importance of historical context and tradition in shaping moral understanding. MacIntyre defends the Thomistic Aristotelian tradition as the most promising framework for addressing the moral crises of modernity. By analyzing these rival versions, MacIntyre seeks to clarify the nature of moral inquiry and to provide a basis for reasoned ethical judgment.

Centesimus Annus is an encyclical written by Pope John Paul II in 1991 to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum novarum. It addresses the relevance of Rerum novarum to the late 20th century and discusses issues such as the role of the state, human rights, and the economic system. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity and subsidiarity in addressing social problems. The encyclical also critiques both socialism and unbridled capitalism, advocating for a balanced approach that respects human dignity and promotes the common good. Centesimus Annus is a significant contribution to Catholic social teaching, offering a moral framework for addressing contemporary economic and political challenges.

In 'Whose Justice? Which Rationality? ', Alasdair MacIntyre examines the concepts of justice and practical rationality through the lens of various historical traditions, including Aristotelian, Augustinian, and modern liberal thought. He argues that rationality is always embedded within specific traditions, challenging the idea of a universal rationality. The book is a continuation of his critique of modern liberalism, begun in 'After Virtue', and offers a nuanced analysis of how different traditions of thought shape our understanding of justice and morality.

In "Dependent Rational Animals," Alistair MacIntyre challenges the individualistic assumptions of modern philosophy. He argues that human beings are inherently social and dependent creatures, requiring relationships and communities for their flourishing. MacIntyre critiques the social contract tradition, which posits a state of nature where individuals are independent and self-sufficient. He emphasizes the importance of virtue ethics and the role of tradition in shaping moral character. The book explores the nature of human relationships and the importance of social institutions in fostering human well-being. MacIntyre's work offers a powerful counterpoint to individualistic ideologies.

In 'A Theory of Justice,' John Rawls develops a moral theory of justice as fairness, which is an alternative to utilitarianism. The theory is based on the social contract approach and uses the concept of the original position and the veil of ignorance to derive two principles of justice. The first principle, the greatest equal liberty principle, ensures that each person has an equal right to the most extensive total system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all. The second principle, which includes the difference principle and the equal opportunity principle, states that social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged and attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. Rawls's theory aims to reconcile liberty and equality in a well-ordered society.

First published in 1975, 'Animal Liberation' by Peter Singer has been a pivotal book in the animal rights movement. It introduces the concept of 'speciesism,' the systematic neglect and exploitation of nonhuman animals. Singer argues that the interests of all beings capable of suffering should be given equal consideration, regardless of their species. The book critiques factory farming and animal experimentation, presenting alternatives and advocating for a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The revised edition, 'Animal Liberation Now,' updates the arguments to reflect current issues, including environmental impacts and the spread of viruses from factory farms.

Fides et Ratio, an encyclical letter by Pope John Paul II, explores the intricate relationship between faith and reason. It emphasizes the importance of both as complementary paths to truth, highlighting their interconnectedness in the pursuit of knowledge. The encyclical addresses concerns about the perceived conflict between faith and reason, arguing for their harmonious coexistence. It calls for a renewed commitment to philosophical inquiry within the context of Christian faith. Fides et Ratio serves as a significant contribution to contemporary theological and philosophical discourse.

string

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.