Virtue
ethics essentially involves undertaking an analytical approach when assessing
texts. It seeks to ensure that there is the development of a perspective
concerning the merits of the texts in such a way that advances the need to
avoid those aspects that are considered to be either partisan or biased. A text
that is neither partisan nor biased is one that qualifies as having observed
virtue ethics because it seeks to promote the interests of all individuals
rather than only one particular group. Van Norden makes use of virtue ethics as
a means of interpreting Confucianism. His interpretation of Confucianism states
that it is a means through which an account of flourishing human life is
brought about. In addition, he attributes Confucian writing as a means through
which an understanding of the virtues that contribute to leading an ideal life
can be made. It is also an essential means of giving an account of how these
virtues can be acquired. Finally, he believes that Confucianism allows
individuals to gain an understanding of what humans are like so that they can
be helped towards the acquiring of virtues that can enable them to flourish in
their lives.[1]
[1] Bryan Van Norden, Virtue Ethics and Consequentialism in Early Chinese Philosophy (Cambridge University Press, 2007), 105.
