DEFINITION:
Within the context of Classical virtue ethics, the term “courage” (or “fortitude”) refers to the virtue, or character trait, consisting of the ability to face pain, suffering, and mortal danger with equanimity in the undaunted pursuit of one’s duty.
ETYMOLOGY:
“Courage”—also known as “fortitude”—is one of the four Classical “cardinal virtues.”
The English noun “courage” is attested from the fourteenth century. It derives, via Middle English and Old French, from the Classical Latin noun cor, cordis, meaning the “heart”—which the ancients took to be the seat of the emotions.
The English noun “fortitude” is attested from the twelfth century. It derives, via Middle English, from the Latin word noun fortitudo, fortitudinis, meaning “strength,” “bravery,” or “courage.” Fortitudo, in turn, is connected to the adjective fortis, meaning “strong” or “powerful.”
Interestingly, there is a deep connection between the notion of “courage” and the idea of “virtue,” as may be seen from the etymology of the corresponding ancient Greeks words.
The Greek equivalent of Latin fortitudo is andreia, meaning “manliness” or “courage.” Andreia derives from anēr, meaning “a man (male).”
The English noun “virtue,” which is attested from the thirteenth century, derives, via Middle English and Old French, from the Latin word virtus, virtūtis, meaning “manliness,” “bravery,” “valor,” or “courage.” Virtus, in turn, derives from the noun vir, viri, meaning “a man (a male).”
Virtus translates the Greek word aretē, meaning “excellence,” “manhood,” “prowess,” or “valor.” The root of aretē is Arēs, the god of war, which is itself connected to the adjective arrēn, meaning “male,” “masculine,” “manly,” or “strong.”
Thus, the concepts of “courage” and “virtue” are united in the same underlying idea of “manliness.”
DISCUSSION:
According to Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics, Book II), the virtues represent a mean between two extremes. In the case of “courage,” the extreme of deficiency is cowardice, while the extreme of excess is rashness.
“Courage” is widely associated with bravery in battle, and that is certainly an important dimension of the concept. However, the virtue of “courage” is far broader than just martial valor. It encompasses the virtues of patience, persistence, and steadfastness in the face of any and all difficulties that one may face in life.
It is often said that “courage” is the most important of all the virtues, because without it none of the other virtues will be of any avail.
For example, the exercise of the virtue of “justice” relies on that of “courage,” because without courage an individual will fail to implement “justice” at the first hint of opposition.