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Single Idea 23905

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / d. Courage ]

Full Idea

Courage is a following of reason, and reason orders us to choose what is noble.

Gist of Idea

Courage follows reason, which tells us to choose what is noble

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1229a01)

Book Ref

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2021], p.37


A Reaction

This sounds right to me. Courage, in all sorts of contexts, seems to arise in people who sustain their focus on what is the right thing to do.

Related Idea

Idea 3738 The hallmark of rationality is setting itself an end [Kant]


The 15 ideas with the same theme [virtuous resistance to fear and danger]:

Courage is scientific knowledge [Socrates, by Aristotle]
Being unafraid (perhaps through ignorance) and being brave are two different things [Plato]
Strictly speaking, a courageous person is one who does not fear an honourable death [Aristotle]
True courage is an appropriate response to a dangerous situation [Aristotle]
Courage follows reason, which tells us to choose what is noble [Aristotle]
Great courage is not violent [Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu)]
Panaetius identified courage with great-mindedness, preferring civic courage to military [Panaetius, by Asmis]
In a free man, choosing flight can show as much strength of mind as fighting [Spinoza]
Contempt of danger is just madness if it is not in some worthy cause [Hutcheson]
Cool courage and feverish bravery have one name, but are two very different virtues [Nietzsche]
Military idea: what does not kill me makes me stronger [Nietzsche]
Cowards are responsible for their cowardice [Sartre]
Courage is not a virtue, but the form of every virtue at its testing point [Lewis,CS]
Courage overcomes the fears which should be overcome, and doesn't overvalue personal safety [Foot]
The courage of an evil person is still a quality worth having [Zagzebski]