Journal of Philosophy and Theology

Human Flourishing in the Philosophical Work of Alasdair MacIntyre
Andrius Bielskis, Professor, PhD; and Egidijus Mardosas, Mr

Abstract
In this paper, we circumscribe Alasdair MacIntyre’s notion of human flourishing as presented from After Virtue onwards. By reformulating the Aristotelian-Thomist tradition in modern terms, MacIntyre introduces such notions as practice, narrative unity of human life, and tradition. Later he supplements these ideas by accounting for human dependency and practical reasoning. The paper articulates these aspects of MacIntyre’s understanding of human flourishing and demonstrate how they challenge several (post)modern conceptions regarding the self, morality, and politics. It is argued that MacIntyre’s account of human flourishing consists of people becoming independent practical reasoners, able to use their rational powers for the pursuit of a meaningful life.

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