COURAGE, Linson Thomas

Moral courage is the courage to take action for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences. Courage is required to take action when one has doubts or fears about the consequences. Moral courage therefore involves deliberation or careful thought. Reflex action or dogmatic fanaticism  do not involve moral courage because such impulsive actions are not based upon moral reasoning.Moral courage may also require physical courage when the consequences are punishment or other bodily peril. Ethics, known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that addresses questions about morality—that is, concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice, etc.

We want to acknowledge the courage demonstrated when the right thing is done, especially when others looked away or chose to do nothing--the courage demonstrated through holding onto to one's values is moral courage.Courage is something we all admire. When asked to describe courage, most people will speak about the physical actions that are performed that are adventurous. But when asked to go deeper, to really define courage, the only response that comes to mind is "I know it when I see it."For the first case, we can distinguish the actions as being physically courageous. In the second case, we can say the actions were morally courageous.

Moral courage is doing the right thing because it's right, not because of fame and fortune. People morally courageous would do what's right even if you get hurt. In the story of Cathy James, there was a boy who was being bullied on by some kids in the smoking section. Right as a teacher was about to stop the harmful game, a school girl beat him to it. She was a perfect example of moral courage. You should use moral courage because it helps people get out of situations and you will probably be thanked at the end.

Moral courage means doing the right thing even at the risk of inconvenience, ridicule, punishment, loss of job or security or social status, etc.  Moral courage requires that we rise above the apathy, complacency, hatred, cynicism, and fear-mongering in our political systems, socioeconomic divisions, and cultural/religious differences.   Doing the right thing means listening to our conscience, that quiet voice within.  Ignoring that voice can lead to feelings of inadequacy, guilt and diminished personal integrity.  Moral courage requires us to make judgments about what actions or behaviors are supportive of our highest ideals, and which ones are destructive.  It asks us to recognize our responsibilities and see the consequences of our own actions.

"He who does not punish evil commands it to be done." —Leonardo da Vinci