Bishop Barron's article reflects on the life and work of philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre, who passed away at 96. MacIntyre, known for his critique of modern moral philosophy and his advocacy for virtue ethics, profoundly influenced Barron's own thinking. The article highlights MacIntyre's argument that Enlightenment thinkers, in rejecting Aristotelian teleology, created a moral vacuum filled with emotivism and will-to-power. It emphasizes MacIntyre's retrieval of virtue ethics, rooted in narrative and tradition, particularly within the context of practices like chess or bricklaying, which possess internal goods and standards of excellence. Finally, it connects MacIntyre's work to the Catholic intellectual tradition, noting his conversion to Catholicism and how his philosophical journey resonates with the Church's understanding of the moral life.
According to a Vatican statement released on April 21, 2025, Pope Francis has died. The announcement did not provide details about the cause of death but did confirm the passing of the 88-year-old pontiff. The Vatican indicated that further information regarding funeral arrangements and the process of electing a new pope would be forthcoming.
HN users quickly identified the linked article as satire from a source called "The Babylon Bee," known for its humorous and often politically charged content. Several commenters pointed out the date of the article (April 21, 2025) as further evidence of its fictional nature. Some expressed annoyance at the misleading headline, while others appreciated the joke or simply noted the satirical nature of the source. A few users discussed the potential impact of such misinformation, even if intended as satire, and the importance of verifying sources.
Neal Stephenson's "Wrong 5" argues that Thomas More's Utopia hypocritically condemns individual acquisitiveness while simultaneously advocating for England's imperial expansion and resource extraction under the guise of "improvement." More portrays Utopians as morally superior for rejecting private property, yet Stephenson contends this stance ignores the exploitative nature of acquiring resources and labor to establish and maintain Utopia's seemingly idyllic state. He highlights the inherent contradiction of More, a wealthy lawyer serving a rapacious empire, decrying individual greed while remaining silent about the systemic greed driving England's colonial ambitions. Essentially, Stephenson posits that Utopia serves as a veiled justification for powerful entities seizing resources under the pretense of societal betterment, a process mirroring England's contemporary actions.
The Hacker News comments generally agree with Stephenson's critique of Thomas More's Utopia, finding his vision naive and impractical. Several commenters point out the hypocrisy of More's personal wealth and position contrasting with the communist ideals he espouses in Utopia. Some discuss the inherent difficulties and contradictions in attempting to design a perfect society, citing issues of human nature and the potential for tyranny. Others find value in utopian thought experiments, even if flawed, as they can spark discussion and inspire incremental improvements. A few commenters delve into More's religious context and the historical influences on his writing, suggesting that modern interpretations may miss nuances of his intent. One commenter highlights the darkly satirical elements of Utopia, arguing that it shouldn't be taken entirely at face value.
Researchers have reconstructed the face of St. Thomas Aquinas using 3D modeling based on his skull, offering a glimpse of his appearance 750 years after his death. Analysis also suggests he suffered from a chronic ear infection and severe osteoarthritis, possibly contributing to his demise. While the cause of death remains uncertain, these findings provide valuable insight into the health and physical characteristics of the influential theologian and philosopher.
HN commenters discuss the methodology used to reconstruct Aquinas's face, with some skepticism about its accuracy given the reliance on skull shape alone and the potential for subjective interpretation by the artists. Several commenters point out the irony of reconstructing the face of a theologian who emphasized the immaterial soul over physical appearance. Others question the significance of the project, while some express interest in the historical and forensic aspects. A few commenters debate the cause of death, with one suggesting it might have been a stroke rather than the reported "cerebral stroke" mentioned in some historical accounts. Overall, the comments express a mixture of curiosity, doubt, and philosophical reflection on the nature of identity and the limits of historical reconstruction.
The Vatican's website offers a free, immersive digital experience of St. Peter's Basilica. Users can explore high-resolution 360° panoramic views of both the Basilica's interior and exterior, including spaces not typically accessible to the public. This virtual tour allows detailed examination of the art, architecture, and religious significance of the Basilica, providing a rich and engaging experience for anyone interested in experiencing this iconic landmark from anywhere in the world.
HN commenters generally found the Vatican's digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica underwhelming. Several criticized the low resolution and poor quality of the 3D model, especially given the readily available high-resolution scans and photographic data. Others noted the lack of interactivity and limited navigation, comparing it unfavorably to other virtual museum experiences. Some suggested the project seemed rushed and poorly executed, speculating about potential internal politics or technical limitations at play. A few commenters expressed interest in a higher-fidelity version, but the prevailing sentiment was disappointment with the current offering.
Summary of Comments ( 30 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44071900
HN users discuss MacIntyre's impact, focusing on his critique of modern moral philosophy and advocacy for virtue ethics. Some highlight his accessibility, while others find his work dense. Several commenters mention After Virtue as a key entry point, praising its clarity in explaining the failures of Enlightenment thinking and the importance of tradition and community. A few express disappointment with later works, finding them less impactful or overly focused on Thomism. The thread also touches on MacIntyre's political views, noting his journey from Marxism to a more conservative stance. Overall, the comments reflect a respect for MacIntyre's intellectual contributions, even among those who disagree with his conclusions. Several commenters express interest in exploring or revisiting his work.
The Hacker News post titled "Remembering Alasdair MacIntyre" has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focusing on MacIntyre's philosophical contributions and influence. There isn't a large, sprawling discussion, but several commenters offer insightful perspectives on his work.
One commenter highlights MacIntyre's critique of modern moral philosophy as being essentially emotivist, meaning moral pronouncements ultimately boil down to personal preferences rather than objective truths. This commenter appreciates MacIntyre's attempt to ground morality in a more substantial framework of virtues tied to a shared understanding of the good life within a community or tradition.
Another commenter focuses on MacIntyre's concept of "practices," defined as complex social activities with internal goods achievable only through participation. This commenter explains how MacIntyre uses this concept to argue that meaning and purpose are derived from engaging in such practices, contrasting this with a modern tendency to view work solely as a means to external rewards like money. They also touch upon the idea of internal goods as standards of excellence specific to a practice, contributing to a sense of purpose and achievement.
Building on this theme, another comment discusses MacIntyre's emphasis on virtue ethics, emphasizing the importance of cultivating virtuous character traits for achieving excellence within these practices. This commenter suggests that MacIntyre's work offers a compelling alternative to the perceived emptiness of modern, individualistic approaches to morality.
There's also a brief discussion on MacIntyre's conversion to Catholicism and how his faith influenced his philosophical views. One commenter points out the apparent tension between his belief in objective truth and his association with postmodernism, while another suggests that his move towards Thomism provided a more solid foundation for his ethical framework.
Finally, a couple of comments recommend specific books by MacIntyre for those interested in delving deeper into his ideas, with "After Virtue" being mentioned as a good starting point and "Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry" highlighted as a helpful resource for understanding his critique of different approaches to moral philosophy.