Virtue Ethics and Consequentialism in Early Chinese Philosophy

Explore the intricate world of early Chinese philosophy with Bryan W. Van Norden's insightful work, Virtue Ethics and Consequentialism in Early Chinese Philosophy. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2007, this hardback edition spans 430 pages and delves deeply into the foundations of two significant philosophical traditions: Confucianism and Mohism. Van Norden presents a compelling analysis, portraying early Confucianism as a form of virtue ethics and contrasting it with Mohism, which advocates for a consequentialist approach. Through clear exegesis of historical texts and a critical evaluation of the philosophical arguments from both schools, this book provides a rich understanding of ethical responses to moral dilemmas in ancient China. Perfect for students and scholars of philosophy, ethics, and Chinese history, this book is an essential addition to any philosophy library. Discover how these ancient ideologies continue to influence contemporary ethical thought today.