Full Idea
MacIntyre argues that the concept of virtue is secondary to that of a role-figure, where the latter is always defined by some particular tradition and culture.
Gist of Idea
Virtue is secondary to a role-figure, defined within a culture
Source
report of Alasdair MacIntyre (After Virtue: a Study in Moral Theory [1981]) by Daniel Statman - Introduction to Virtue Ethics §3
Book Reference
'Virtue Ethics', ed/tr. Statman,Daniel [Edinburgh 1997], p.15
A Reaction
MacIntyre is much more of a relativist than Aristotle. There must be some attempt to deal with the problem of a rotten culture which throws up a corrupt role-model. We need a concept of a good culture and of individual flourishing.