The world of philosophy lost a giant on May 21, 2025, when Alasdair MacIntyre passed away at the age of 96.
Known for reshaping modern moral philosophy, MacIntyre’s influence runs deep, especially through his landmark book After Virtue, published back in 1981.
His work helped bring virtue ethics back into the spotlight, moving away from the more common frameworks like utilitarianism and deontology that had dominated for years.
A Life Marked by Intellectual Exploration and Spiritual Transformation
MacIntyre’s journey wasn’t just academic—it was profoundly personal.
He moved through various phases of belief, starting from atheism, then embracing Marxism, Anglicanism, and finally settling into Roman Catholicism.
This evolving spiritual path gave his philosophy a rich, unique perspective that resonated with many, especially within Catholic intellectual circles.
Many regarded him as the most significant Catholic philosopher of modern times, a label supported by his razor-sharp mind, quick wit, and his dedication as a teacher.
His impact on students and fellow scholars was enormous, as reflected by the heartfelt words of those who knew him well.
Tributes from Those Who Knew Him Well
Patrick Deneen, a political philosophy professor at Notre Dame, described MacIntyre’s passing as “a great light has gone out.”
Another of MacIntyre’s students, Christopher Kaczor, expressed admiration saying, “I have never met, nor do I ever expect to meet, a philosopher as fascinating as the author of After Virtue.”
Up until his last days, MacIntyre held a senior research fellowship at the University of Notre Dame’s de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture.
From Glasgow to Global Influence: The Academic Journey
Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1929 to Eneas and Greta MacIntyre, Alasdair’s academic path was impressive.
He earned master’s degrees from both the University of Manchester and Oxford.
His teaching career took off in 1951, with early positions at Manchester, followed by Leeds, Essex, and Oxford.
The late 1960s saw MacIntyre cross the Atlantic to the United States, where he embraced the life of an “intellectual nomad.”
Over the years, he held prominent roles at institutions like Brandeis University, Boston University, Wellesley College, Vanderbilt University, and finally Notre Dame.
A Humble Scholar with a Sense of Humor
Despite his vast influence and stature, MacIntyre never earned a traditional doctorate, yet was awarded ten honorary doctorates during his lifetime.
Known for his wit, he once joked, “I won’t go so far as to say that you have a deformed mind if you have a Ph.D., but you will have to work extra hard to remain educated.”
This humility and humor were part of what made him such a beloved figure.