How does McIntrye define the "artificial situation"?
According to philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre, the term "artificial situation" is used to describe a social or moral context that is constructed by certain rules or norms, rather than being naturally occurring. MacIntyre suggests that many of our modern moral dilemmas and ethical frameworks arise within such artificial situations.
In his book "After Virtue," MacIntyre argues that modern societies are characterized by a loss of a shared understanding of what constitutes a good life or moral action. He describes a fragmented moral landscape, where conflicting moral philosophies and individualistic pursuits of self-interest dominate. In this context, MacIntyre contends that moral reasoning becomes futile, as there are no common standards or principles to guide ethical decision-making.
MacIntyre asserts that the advent of modernity and its emphasis on individual autonomy and rationality has led society to abandon larger ethical frameworks rooted in tradition and common values. Instead, people are increasingly isolated in their personal moral philosophies, navigating an artificial situation where moral concepts lack a solid foundation.
By highlighting the artificiality of contemporary moral contexts, MacIntyre suggests that rebuilding a coherent ethical framework requires a return to understanding morality as a practice rooted in the traditions and practices of a particular community. He argues that without such a grounding, attempts at moral reasoning within artificial situations will ultimately lead to moral relativism and a breakdown of ethics.