In this erudite and compelling book, MacIntyre’s neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics is meticulously examined as a transformative antidote to the moral fragmentation of our contemporary epoch—one torn apart by rapid technological, cultural, and ecological upheavals. MacIntyre, whose profound legacy endured until his death on 21 May 2025 at the age of 96, criticises the Enlightenment’s rejection of teleology and tradition. This rejection has led to a crisis of ethical coherence, reducing moral discourse to subjective relativism and isolating individuals from communal meaning. Rooted in the interplay of practices, narrative unity, and tradition-constituted rationality, his philosophy reorients ethics toward the cultivation of virtuous character, offering a robust framework for human emancipation. The book critiques modernity’s rejection of teleology, revives the concept of virtue embedded in practices and traditions, and champions dialogical reasoning to achieve ethical coherence. Addressing critiques of relativism and essentialism, it advocates a dynamic telos that integrates diverse perspectives for collective emancipation. Adopting an agent-centred approach, it shifts the focus of ethics from rules to character, prompting the question: ‘What kind of person should I become?’

Sibi Vattappara, OSB, is a monk of the Sylvestro-Benedictine Congregation known for his dedication to spiritual formation and the strengthening of communities. A native of Nellikkampoyil in Kerala’s Kannur district, he brings a rich Benedictine and local cultural heritage to his scholarship. He earned his PhD from Jnana Deepa—The Pontifical Athenaeum (Institute of Philosophy and Theology), Pune, and exemplifies academic rigour and intellectual depth. He currently serves in key roles at St Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy, where his passion for teaching and commitment to community well-being have had a profound impact within and beyond his monastic tradition.