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 out moral decisions. Moral
courage is also important. So before we proceed to the discussion about moral courage gusto ko lang
ishare yung particular quote na to.

"Stand up for what is right even if you stand alone"  -Anonymous

The above quote sounds nice, but it can be a difficult thing to do. Sometimes acting ethically comes
easily, however it can also require one to stand up for what they believe in and do what they feel is right
despite popular interest. Moral courage is the commitment to standing up for and acting upon one’s
ethical beliefs (Miller, 2005).

Morally courageous individuals act upon their ethical values to help others during difficult ethical
dilemmas, despite the adversity or criticisms they may face in doing so. To be morally courageous means
standing up for what you believe even when it means that you do so alone (Murray, 2015).

 Examples of moral courage in the workplace include telling a supervisor about how your
co-workers frequently doctor their timesheets, Disclosure of illicit or unsavory business
practices to the public is also known as “whistleblowing." This was the example of moral
courage. Kasi even though alam mon a hindi magiging maganda yung consequence nito
sayo, but still you stand up for what you believe is right. MAraming mga real life
situation na nagpapakita ng moral courage. Mahatma Gandhi also showed moral
courage because he stood up and fought for India’s independence; despite the threats
from certain groups of people that were against Gandhi's movements and beliefs.
 Harriet Tubman leading slaves to freedom on the underground railroad.
 Martin Luther King Jr. standing up for equal rights.
 Jesus Christ continuing to follow his faith, beliefs and mission despite being hanged on a
cross, brutally beaten and attacked. This are the people who showed moral courage
despite of the adversity and risk na kakaharapin nila.

1. Assess the situation- Evaluate the circumstances to establish whether moral courage is needed in the
situation

2. Scan for values- Determine what moral values and ethical principles are at risk or in question of being
compromised

3. Stand for conscience- Ascertain what principles need to be expressed and defended in the situation –
focus on one or two of the more critical values

4. Contemplate the danger- Consider the possible adverse consequences/risks associated with taking
action. Kailangan alamin natin kung anong mga hahharapin nating risk kapag nag stand up tayo for what
is right.
5. Endure the hardship- Assess whether or not the adversity can be endured – determine what
support/resources are available

6. Avoid the pitfalls- Avoid stumbling blocks that might restrain moral courage, such as apprehension or
over reflection leading to reasoning oneself out of being morally courageous in the situation

7. Develop moral courage- Continue to develop moral courage through education, training, and practice.
Moral courage is not an innate behavior but can be learned and trained. The moral courage trainings try
to teach behavioral routines that can easily be recalled in order to foster adequate and fast reactions.
For example, since it is dangerous and often not reasonable to intervene alone, participants learn in role
plays how to activate other people also to help.

Why the will is as important as reason in moral courage?

Will-  is the faculty of the mind that selects a desire among the various desires present at the
moment of decision; it itself does not refer to any particular desire, but rather to the mechanism
responsible for choosing from among one's desires.
Reason- is the basis or motive for an action, decision or conviction.
Will is important as one of the parts of the mind, along with reason and understanding. It is
considered central to the field of ethics because of its role in enabling deliberate action
(planned decision so it happens on purpose rather than by chance. Deliberate action also
pertains to the act done slowly and carefully.) . A good rational moral decision is not always
executed. It is one thing to know a good moral act, and it is another to actually execute it. Oftentimes,
what is lacking is the moral courage, which necessarily involves the concept of will. Subordinates can
trust leaders who have the courage to act in accordance with their values because they know the
directives they issue will be honest and based on values. Therefore, a leader's moral courage provides
the force of will to do what is right regardless of the situation and the costs the leader must incur. In
morality therefore, will is essential just as reason is significant.

The following are some tips or suggestions on how to develop will and moral courage (Mañebog,
2013):

1. Develop and practice self-discipline.

One way to develop moral courage and will is to develop and practice self-discipline. The
concept 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.
Developing will and moral courage involves developing self-control. It includes nurturing the
ability to stick to actions, thoughts, and behavior, which lead to moral improvement and
success.

2. Do mental strength training.

This method is never reserved for a few special people. One of the most simple and effective
methods under this mental strength training involves declining to satisfy unimportant and
unnecessary desires.

Everybody is normally confronted and tempted by an endless stream of cravings and

temptations, many of which are not actually important or desirable. Kasi people will never be
staisfed, once we accomplished one desire, magaarise naman yung panibagong desire na gusto
nating isatisfied, it is actually a cycle. By practicing to refuse to gratify every one of them, a
person gets courageous and stronger.

Saying no to useless, harmful or unnecessary desires and deeds, and behaving contrary to one’s
(bad) habits, fortify and refine a person’s mindset. Nililinis nito yung utak natin na hindi dapat
lahat ng desires e masatisfy, only those necessary and important. By persistent practice, one’s
inner power grows.

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, improve his/her life, and achieve satisfaction and peace of mind.

3. 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.

History is filled with outstanding examples of moral courage whom we rightly celebrate: Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Aung San Suu Kyi, and especially Jesus Christ and His
apostles. This was the xample of morally courageous individuals who stant up for what they
nelieve in and to what they think is right despite of the risks tha they might face.
 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 will in action.

4. 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 acts that manifest them whenever opportunity allows it. If there was an
opportunity for us to exhibit oral courage, the grab it. The following are some examples (“Moral
Courage,” n.d.):

 helping someone push a car (e.g. out of a snow bank), even if it means being late
 standing up to a bully on the playground
 picking up litter
 doing homework or chores without being reminded
 refusing to listen to or repeat gossip
 practicing what you preach, even when no-one is looking or knows
 (for teachers) giving all an equal voice regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion,
gender or sexual orientation

5. 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. Here are some examples (“Moral Courage,” n.d.):

 walking away from someone in need

 taking more than your fair share
 laughing at someone's misfortune or accident
 grabbing the spotlight from someone who has earned it
 breaking a promise
 lying or cheating

these are the examles we need to avoid kasi nagpapakita sila ng lack of moral courage and will.

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.