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From Frankfurt and MacIntyre to Kierkegaard: Exploring the Moral and Spiritual Roots of Contemporary Thought

Gil Turner

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Published in Narrative Identity Autonomy And Mortality: From Frankfurt And MacIntyre To Kierkegaard (Routledge Studies In Contemporary Philosophy 36)

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Narrative Identity Autonomy and Mortality: From Frankfurt and MacIntyre to Kierkegaard (Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy 36)

Narrative Identity, Autonomy, and Mortality: From Frankfurt and MacIntyre to Kierkegaard (Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy Book 36)

by John J. Davenport

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	249 pages

In this book, we will explore the moral and spiritual roots of contemporary thought through the lens of three major philosophers: Harry Frankfurt, Alasdair MacIntyre, and Søren Kierkegaard. These thinkers have had a profound influence on the way we think about morality and spirituality, and their work continues to be debated and discussed today.

Frankfurt is best known for his work on free will and moral responsibility. He argues that free will is not simply the ability to do whatever we want, but rather the ability to act in accordance with our own values and desires. MacIntyre is best known for his work on virtue ethics. He argues that morality is not simply a matter of following rules, but rather a matter of living a virtuous life. Kierkegaard is best known for his work on existentialism. He argues that human beings are fundamentally free and responsible for their own choices.

These three thinkers offer us different but complementary perspectives on the human condition and the nature of morality and spirituality. By exploring their work, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Chapter 1: Harry Frankfurt on Free Will and Moral Responsibility

In this chapter, we will explore Frankfurt's work on free will and moral responsibility. Frankfurt argues that free will is not simply the ability to do whatever we want, but rather the ability to act in accordance with our own values and desires. He distinguishes between two kinds of freedom: the freedom of the will and the freedom of action. The freedom of the will is the ability to choose our own values and desires, while the freedom of action is the ability to act in accordance with our choices.

Frankfurt argues that the freedom of the will is essential for moral responsibility. He argues that we cannot be held responsible for our actions unless we have the ability to choose our own values and desires. However, he also argues that the freedom of action is not sufficient for moral responsibility. He argues that we can only be held responsible for our actions if we have the ability to act in accordance with our choices.

Chapter 2: Alasdair MacIntyre on Virtue Ethics

In this chapter, we will explore MacIntyre's work on virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that morality is not simply a matter of following rules, but rather a matter of living a virtuous life. He argues that virtues are character traits that enable us to live a good life. He identifies four cardinal virtues: prudence, temperance, courage, and justice.

MacIntyre argues that the virtues are essential for human flourishing. He argues that we cannot live a good life without the virtues. However, he also argues that the virtues are not simply a matter of individual choice. He argues that the virtues are embedded in our social and cultural traditions.

Chapter 3: Søren Kierkegaard on Existentialism

In this chapter, we will explore Kierkegaard's work on existentialism. Kierkegaard argues that human beings are fundamentally free and responsible for their own choices. He argues that we cannot escape our freedom, and that we must make choices even in the face of uncertainty and anxiety.

Kierkegaard identifies three stages of human existence: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious. The aesthetic stage is characterized by a focus on pleasure and immediate gratification. The ethical stage is characterized by a focus on duty and obligation. The religious stage is characterized by a focus on faith and commitment.

Kierkegaard argues that the religious stage is the highest stage of human existence. He argues that we can only find true meaning and purpose in life through faith in God.

In this book, we have explored the moral and spiritual roots of contemporary thought through the lens of three major philosophers: Harry Frankfurt, Alasdair MacIntyre, and Søren Kierkegaard. These thinkers have had a profound influence on the way we think about morality and spirituality, and their work continues to be debated and discussed today.

By exploring their work, we have gained a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. We have seen that we are free and responsible for our own choices, and that we must live our lives in accordance with our values and desires. We have also seen that we are not alone in our struggles, and that there is hope for meaning and purpose in life.

Narrative Identity, Autonomy, and Mortality: From Frankfurt and MacIntyre to Kierkegaard (Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy Book 36)

by John J. Davenport

4.3 out of 5