Courage
Professor Daniel Putman stated in a lecture that courage involves deliberate choice in the face of painful or fearful circumstances for the sake of a worthy goal. This definition separates true bravery from simple fearlessness. A person who feels no fear does not possess courage, according to this view. Courage requires the presence of fear and the decision to move forward despite it. Putman notes that confidence plays a critical role alongside fear. He describes self-confidence as knowing one's skills and abilities when facing danger. Without an appropriate balance between fear and confidence, one cannot have the courage to overcome a threat. Excesses or deficiencies in either emotion can distort the act into cowardice or foolhardiness. Some individuals may display excessive confidence as a coping mechanism for past trauma. Others might feel hopelessness or fatalism when both fear and confidence are low. The ideal situation accepts fear as part of human nature while using reason to guide behavior toward a worthwhile goal.
Plato wrote his dialogue Laches early in his career while still developing ideas influenced by Socrates. Many definitions of courage appear in the text but all get refuted without reaching a clear conclusion. In The Republic, Plato described courage as a sort of preservation of belief inculcated by law through education about what things are to be feared. Thucydides, a Greek historian, wrote that the bravest people have the clearest vision of glory and danger alike yet go out to meet it anyway. Aristotle discussed courage broadly in Nicomachean Ethics within the context of soldiers fighting for a noble cause. He placed courage as the mean between two extremes: cowardice on one side and recklessness on the other. Cicero listed courage among four parts of virtue alongside wisdom, justice, and temperance. He argued that a courageous spirit in someone who has not attained perfection is generally too impetuous. Ambrose echoed these reservations regarding those exhibiting courage without demonstrating general moral balance. Fortitude ranks third after prudence and justice among cardinal virtues according to Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas distinguished fortitude from fearlessness which can easily become recklessness through short-sighted audacity with disastrous results.
The Tao Te Ching contends that courage derives from love translated as From love one gains courage. Chapter 67 offers this perspective on how emotional connection fuels bravery. Hindu tradition lists Courage and Bravery alongside Patience as the first two characteristics of Dharma in Manusmriti. These appear alongside forgiveness, tolerance, honesty, physical restraint, cleanliness, perceptiveness, knowledge, truthfulness, and control of anger. Islamic beliefs present courage and self-control as key factors in facing the Devil both internally and externally. Many hold this belief because of the courage Prophets of the past displayed through peace and patience despite people despising them. The text suggests that courage allows individuals to stand firm against internal and external threats. It emphasizes that true strength comes from maintaining inner peace while confronting evil forces. This Eastern approach integrates spiritual discipline with practical action in daily life. The concept extends beyond physical battles to include moral struggles within the human soul itself.
Thomas Hobbes listed courage as a virtue of men invested solely in private good rather than public good. He described fortitude as daring but also resisting stoutly in present dangers. David Hume categorized courage as a natural virtue causing pride when combined with other valuable qualities like wit or learning. He wrote that courage defends humans while cowardice lays them open to every attack. An excessive courage contributes to a hero's character yet ruins affairs and leads into dangers otherwise unknown. Søren Kierkegaard opposed courage to angst while Paul Tillich equated existential courage to be with non-being fundamentally with religion. J.R.R. Tolkien identified a Northern theory of courage insisting on doing right even facing certain defeat without promise of reward. Ernest Hemingway famously defined courage as grace under pressure during difficult times. Winston Churchill stated courage is rightly esteemed first among human qualities because it guarantees all others. Maya Angelou argued that without courage you cannot practice any other virtue consistently. Friedrich Nietzsche emphasized courage as one of four virtues alongside insight, sympathy, and solitude in Beyond Good and Evil. He noted great epochs occur when we gain courage to re-baptize evil qualities as best qualities.
Researchers studying courage face challenges setting an operational definition for sound explicit theories. Rate et al conducted studies trying to find common structure within people's notions of bravery. Ten experts in psychology came together to define courage through questionnaires asking what courage means. They found four necessary components: intentionality deliberation personal fear noble good act and personal risk. Courage functions better understood as exceptional response to specific external conditions than attribute disposition or character trait. The term clinical courage emerged in 2000s relating to modern medicine practices in remote settings. It describes providing essential medical care outside usual scope where no alternative exists. Rural generalists paramedics and general practitioners often face these situations daily. Opposing theory calls such actions clinical recklessness exposing patients to risk or harm. Future research could consider how individuals feel fear overcome it and act despite it. This field continues developing frameworks to measure and understand brave behavior scientifically.
The Victoria Cross stands as highest military award received by British Armed Forces members for valour in face of enemy. A total of 1,356 VCs have been awarded to individuals with only 13 since World War II. The Medal of Honor represents highest decoration bestowed on US armed forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry above call of duty. Military crosses like Army Distinguished Service Cross Navy Cross Air Force Cross Coast Guard Cross rank second highest. Carnegie Hero Fund established recognizing extraordinary acts of heroism in civilian life across United States and Canada. Profile in Courage Award honors elected officials risking careers pursuing larger vision against popular opinion pressure. Civil Courage Prize awards steadfast resistance to evil at great personal risk rather than military valor annually posthumously possible. Param Vir Chakra remains highest military award in India given showing highest degree valour self-sacrifice presence enemy often posthumously. Military Order Maria Theresa awarded successful military acts essential impact campaign undertaken officer own initiative might omitted honorable officer without reproach. Edelstam Prize recognizes outstanding contributions exceptional courage standing beliefs defense Human Rights saving lives threatened people complex situations.
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Common questions
What is the definition of courage according to Professor Daniel Putman?
Professor Daniel Putman defines courage as deliberate choice in the face of painful or fearful circumstances for the sake of a worthy goal. This view requires the presence of fear and the decision to move forward despite it.
How does Plato describe courage in The Republic compared to Laches?
Plato wrote his dialogue Laches early in his career while still developing ideas influenced by Socrates without reaching a clear conclusion. In The Republic, he described courage as a sort of preservation of belief inculcated by law through education about what things are to be feared.
What are the four necessary components of courage found by Rate et al researchers?
Ten experts in psychology came together to define courage through questionnaires asking what courage means. They found four necessary components: intentionality deliberation personal fear noble good act and personal risk.
Which military award is considered the highest decoration bestowed on US armed forces members?
The Medal of Honor represents highest decoration bestowed on US armed forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry above call of duty. Military crosses like Army Distinguished Service Cross Navy Cross Air Force Cross Coast Guard Cross rank second highest.
When did the term clinical courage emerge in relation to modern medicine practices?
The term clinical courage emerged in 2000s relating to modern medicine practices in remote settings. It describes providing essential medical care outside usual scope where no alternative exists.