Courage is an immortal concept

Consider such a well-known notion as "courage". This is the image that arose at the dawn of time. He developed, filling with new faces. There were thinkers who tried to "overthrow" and discredit him. Only none of this did not work out. Let's understand.

The meaning of the word "courage"

It is clear that now we are putting into this concept the meaning that we inherited. Ethical norms are not created independently, they are inscribed in any culture as its main indicators. The lexical meaning of the word "courage" is very clear. This ability to resist threats that affect the foundations of life, including death. Only this depth of this concept does not convey this definition. To understand, let's look at the "historical path" of the word "courage". This will make it possible to understand more deeply what was invested in it initially, what is understood now.

How to determine the "courage" of ancient philosophers

Most often ethical norms are filled with the meanings adopted in the society in which they operate. In the ancient world, it was believed that courage is a heroism displayed in combat. Even easier is the ability not to fear death, which can result from a fight. It turns out that courage could have only the representatives of the stronger sex, and holding weapons in their hands. Is not it really different from what we are thinking now? Supplemented the concept of Thomas Aquinas. He believed that this is the strength of the spirit, contributing to the struggle for good. He recognized courage as a virtue, although wisdom had priority over him in his system.

Middle Ages

In knightly times, they asserted that courage is the virtue of the military. Only an armed man could show it, because he had to overcome himself, entering into battle with the enemy. At the same time, the simple people, who daily overcome hunger, bad weather, other dangers, were courageously refused. He was attributed only to the rich and "noble", which from our point of view is very strange.

Bourgeois Philosophy

It is clear that this concept was filled with heroic meaning. To discredit it, philosophers tried to argue that courage is a kind of secondary virtue. They tried to convince people that the fear of death is a productive force that leads to peace. I. Kant interpreted courage as the ability to do what must. In this case, the concept itself expanded. It was recognized that courage is more often needed in everyday life to overcome psychological barriers and combat unfavorable circumstances. For example, it must be manifested by a person being mocked or mocked. Nietzsche tried to return the original meaning to the notion, but his attempts were unsuccessful.

Modern look

Having rethought and transformed various interpretations, now society is of the opinion that courage is the strength of the spirit, manifested by the person of any estate or gender in overcoming various kinds of dangers. It is equally important as in combat or confrontation, and in everyday life.

A person who is afraid of public speaking shows great courage when he comes to the rostrum. The one who makes decisions is no less strong in spirit, when he has to admit his own mistakes. A woman who is afraid of childbirth, courageously strives for the continuation of the family. And so on. Examples of the manifestation of the ethical norm in life can be given very much. To recognize that courage - the quality of every person, and not of a certain "caste," was compelled by communist philosophy. It was postulated that ethical norms are equally extended to the whole of society, without regard to classes or other kinds of population groups. Thus, courage is a quality that allows you to maintain steadiness, courage and wisdom under any circumstances, to take and execute a balanced and thoughtful decision, regardless of the risks.