For the 1917 film, see Moral Courage (film).

Moral courage is the courage to take action for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences.[1]

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.[2]

Moral courage may also require physical courage when the consequences are punishment or other bodily peril.[3]

Moral courage has been seen as the exemplary modernist form of courage.[4]

Parenting approach

Parenting with the incorporation of moral courage can have an effect on the self-expression of the child during late adolescence.[5] The development of moral courage within parenting is not only affected by the parent's passed down moral values but the children's autonomy on how to perceive and practice their moral values.[5] Those who incorporate the practice of their morals values into their everyday lives engage in moral courage to protect those values as well.[6]

Examples of moral courage

Discrimination example

As an example, moral courage can be shown through selfless actions aimed to diminish or eliminate discrimination.

A research study was performed using qualitative research methods to analyze the process of how and why individuals become LGBT allies.[7] The study mentions how human resources development play a role to help prevent LGBT discrimination in the workplace.

References

  1. ^ P. Aarne Vesilind (2006), "The Courage To Do The Right Thing choose between right and wrong", The right thing to do: an ethics guide for engeenering students, ISBN 9780965053969
  2. ^ Douglas N. Walton (January 1986), "Moral Deliberation and Conduct", Courage, a philosophical investigation, ISBN 9780520054431
  3. ^ Daniel A. Putman (2004), Psychological courage, ISBN 9780761828204
  4. ^ T. A. Shippey, The Road to Middle Earth (1992) pp. 72–73
  5. ^ a b Bronstein, Phyllis; Fox, Barbara J.; Kamon, Jody L.; Knolls, Michelle L. (30 May 2007). "Parenting and Gender as Predictors of Moral Courage in Late Adolescence: A Longitudinal Study". Sex Roles. 56 (9–10): 661–74. doi:10.1007/s11199-007-9182-8. S2CID 21740863.
  6. ^ Brooks, A. K.; Edwards, K. (5 January 2009). "Allies in the Workplace: Including LGBT in HRD". Advances in Developing Human Resources. 11 (1): 136–49. doi:10.1177/1523422308328500. S2CID 145066844.
  7. ^ Brooks, Ann K.; Edwards, Kathleen (1 February 2009). "Allies in the Workplace: Including LGBT in HRD". Advances in Developing Human Resources. 11 (1): 136–49. doi:10.1177/1523422308328500. ISSN 1523-4223. S2CID 145066844.

Further reading