Final answer:
Aristotle is the thinker most closely associated with virtue ethics, a philosophical approach that values character and virtues as the foundation of morality and the pursuit of a flourishing life.
Step-by-step explanation:
When seeking the thinker most closely associated with virtue ethics, Aristotle is a prominent figure. Virtue ethics is a philosophical approach to ethics that emphasizes character and virtue as the basis of moral action. According to virtue ethics, the right action flows naturally from a virtuous character, which is cultivated through self-reflection and self-perfection.
In the context of comparing different ethical theories, pluralists like Sir William David Ross criticized utilitarianism and deontology for oversimplifying moral life, while virtue ethics maintains that virtues like compassion and empathy are fundamental to developing a moral character and enhancing well-being.
Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is a key text in virtue ethics, wherein he presents the idea that a flourishing life (eudaimonia) is achieved through virtuous development. Alongside Aristotle, Confucius is another figure associated with virtue ethics, especially within the sphere of Confucianism, by promoting virtues that lead to social harmony.