Wadsworth Philosophers Series
On MacIntyre
By Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein
ISBN: 0-534-62244-5
How are we to live? What makes a good person, and how are we to figure out
which way of life is to be preferred over others?
These are the questions that concern Alasdair MacIntyre. Born in
1929, in Glasgow, Scotland, MacIntyre has become one of the most important
philosophical voices of the late twentieth century. With a sweeping
knowledge of history and an eloquent style of writing, MacIntyre convinces
his readers that morality is inseparable from cultural heritage, and that
different ways of reasoning – different ways of thinking – are in
constant conflict. He describes a world in which rival moral systems
struggle to survive and to overshadow their competitors, and one in which
beliefs can only be defended by appealing to important texts, sacred
scriptures, and lengthy histories.
MacIntyre’s work is required reading for all those who want to understand what it means to be virtuous, and what it means to have a cultural identity and a tradition. What is our connection to our history? Why are sacred texts such as the Bible or the Koran important? Is true religious belief still possible in the modern world? What is the Good life? How can we defend our opinions against those who disagree with us? MacIntyre addresses all of these questions.
On Alasdair MacIntyre is ideal for those who seek an introduction to the most current and controversial philosophical debates. It provides a summary account of MacIntyre’s fifty-year career in clear and accessible language, culminating in a chapter defending MacIntyre against his most vocal critics. Readers of this book will develop a strong sense of MacIntyre’s importance, his strengths and weaknesses, and his connection to modern philosophy. Readers will also be able to use this book as a foundation for further reading in both moral theory and philosophy.
