A fragmentação moral moderna: crítica e alternativas a partir da ética das virtudes de Alasdair Macintyre

Abstract

Modern moral debates are characteristically marked by the impossibility of reaching a rational solution to the issues in dispute, so that we are deprived of any mechanisms for the solution of these controversies. Although this situation of incommensurability may be understood as an intrinsic element of moral argumentation, the Scottish philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre perceives this as a particularly modern element, the consequence of a succession of historical and philosophical causes that lead us to this situation, which could be remedied through a proper understanding of the situation. The present work, therefore, proposes to investigate in what way this specific understanding of MacIntyre on the current state of morality sheds light on its main problems, clarifying them, as well as what are the alternatives that arise from its own theoretical elaboration, specifically that contained in the core of his philosophical work usually denominated as the After Virtue Project. Through the analysis of the central works of his philosophical project and through the writings of his main commentators, we seek to investigate the central elements of the author's theory, inquiring how his insights can provide suitable elements for, if not a perspective of possible solution of the problem, at least contribute to the enrichment of philosophical debates on moral and political issues. It is concluded that MacIntyre presents a strong and robust understanding of the state in which modern morality finds itself, as well of the causes responsible for this which have lead us to a state of disorder, fragmentation and incommensurability, while also offering a radical, innovative, instigating and highly controversial alternative, which is derived from his particular understandings of classical philosophy.