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The document discusses the importance of moral courage and will in making ethical decisions. Moral courage involves doing the right thing even if it risks negative consequences, and requires rising above divisions. Will refers to the ability to decisively choose desires and act upon them. Developing moral courage and will involves self-discipline, mental strength training, drawing inspiration from courageous examples, repeatedly performing courageous acts, and avoiding acts lacking courage.

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Michaella de Guzman
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647 views11 pages

Quiz 6 Reviewer

The document discusses the importance of moral courage and will in making ethical decisions. Moral courage involves doing the right thing even if it risks negative consequences, and requires rising above divisions. Will refers to the ability to decisively choose desires and act upon them. Developing moral courage and will involves self-discipline, mental strength training, drawing inspiration from courageous examples, repeatedly performing courageous acts, and avoiding acts lacking courage.

Uploaded by

Michaella de Guzman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Part 2: The Act

(Lesson 3: Moral Courage)


Moral Courage

We have learned that in morality, over-reliance on


feelings, to say the least, is disadvantageous. In
resolving moral dilemmas, we are thus advised to
guide our emotions with reason, if not to totally
suppress them. But reason, for many ethicists, is
also not enough in carrying our moral decisions.
Moral courage is also as important.
The Importance of Will and Moral
Courage

 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”
 Will refers to that faculty of the mind which chooses, at the moment of making decision,
the strongest desire from among the various desires present. “Will does not refer to any
particular desire, but rather to the capacity to act decisively on one’s desires Within
philosophy the will is important as on of the distinct parts of the mind, along with reason
and understanding. It is considered important in ethics because of its central role in
enabling a person to act deliberately.”
The Importance of Will and Moral
Courage

 The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer explained that


when we become conscious of ourselves, we recognize that our
essential qualities are endless urging, craving, striving, wanting, and
desiring. He said that these are features of that which we call our
will.
 According to Schopenhauer, will “is the innermost essence, the
kernel, of every particular thing and also of the whole. It appears in
every blindly acting force of nature, and also in the deliberate
conduct of man.”
The Importance of Will and Moral
Courage

Will power refers to the “inner strength to make a


decision, take action, and handle and execute any aim
or task until it is accomplished, regardless of inner and
outer resistance, discomfort or difficulties. It bestows the
ability to overcome laziness, temptations and negative
habits, and to carry out actions, even if they require effort,
are unpleasant and tedious or are contrary to one’s
habits.”
The Importance of Will and Moral
Courage

 Having moral courage and will means doing the right thing, which may include listening to
our conscience, that quiet voice within. Disregarding that voice may lead to feelings of
inadequacy, guilt and diminished personal integrity. For parents, using will power usually
demands putting aside compelling but momentary pleasures or comforts in order to set a
good example for their children an be the good parents they wish to be.
 Moral courage demands us to make judgments about what behaviors or acts are
supportive of our ethical ideologies or highest ideals, and which ones are destructive.
Moral courage and will require us to recognize our responsibilities and be accountable to
the consequences of our own actions.
Developing Will and Moral Courage

 Develop and practice self-discipline


o The concept of self-discipline involves the rejection of instant gratification in
favor of something better. Ethically applied, it may refer to the giving up of
instant pleasure and satisfaction for a higher and better goal such as
executing a good rational moral decision.
o Self-control includes nurturing the ability to stick to actions, thoughts, and
behavior, which lead to moral improvement and success. It encompasses
endowing the inner strength to focus all the energy on a moral goal and
persevere until it is accomplished.
Developing Will and Moral Courage

 Do mental strength training


 This method is never reserved for a few special people. One of the most
simple and effective methods under this strength training involves declining to
satisfy unimportant and unnecessary desires.
 Trainings like these add to the storehouse of one’s inner strength. By following
a methodical method of training, a person can reach far, have more control
over oneself and one’s life, realize ethical goals, and achieve satisfaction and
peace of mind.
Developing Will and Moral Courage

 Draw inspiration from people of great courage


 People usually admire and respect courageous persons who have won great
success by manifesting self-discipline and will power. These include people in
all walks of life, who with sheer will power and moral courage, overcame
difficulties and hardships, have improved their moral life, advanced on the
spiritual or moral path, and became worthy of imitation.
 When we see individuals put their comfort, safety, security, reputation, or even
life on the line for a cause they believe in, or for an ideal that matters more
than personal wellbeing, we witness moral courage and action.
Developing Will and Moral Courage

Repeatedly do acts that exhibit moral


courage and will
Practice makes perfect. If one wishes to nurture
the moral courage and will in him, he must strive
doing the act that manifest them whenever
opportunity allows it.
Developing Will and Moral Courage

 Avoid deeds that show lack of moral courage and will


 This involves evading acts that show irresponsibility, cowardice, apathy, rashness, imprudence, ill
will, and wickedness.

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