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Single Idea 5226

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

Full Idea

The man who faces or fears the right things for the right reason and in the right way and at the right time is courageous.

Gist of Idea

True courage is an appropriate response to a dangerous situation

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1115b18)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.128


A Reaction

This is the consistent view of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Their concept is much broader and more value-laden than ours. We are inclined to see courage as simply being undeterred by pain, and place the morality elsewhere.

Related Idea

Idea 23433 Humans need courage like a plant needs roots [Foot]