Notes in GE 5 – Ethics

Part II
THE ACT

Lesson 3
MORAL COURAGE

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.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WILL AND MORAL COURAGE

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.
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.
One sense of the concept “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. Commonly, we think of will in the active sense, of self
control, of working toward and attaining goals.
The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer said that endless urging, craving,
striving, wanting, and desiring are features of the WILL. Schopenhauer believed that
the WILL is primary and uses knowledge in order to find an object that will satisfy its
craving.
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. WILL POWER 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.
Having moral courage and will means doing the right thing, which may include
listening to our conscience, that quiet voice within. Disregarding conscience may lead to
feelings of inadequacy, guilt and diminished personal integrity.
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.
Moral courage sounds like…
- “I believe strongly in _____.”
- “That joke was offensive to the disabled etc.”
- “Let us volunteer.”
- “Dad, I am in trouble.”
- “I am going to campaign for _____.”
- “It is not fair that _____.”
- “I broke this, Mom. I am sorry.”
- “I will march with you.”
- “No, thanks. I do want to hear a secret!”
- “You should not talk behind her/his back.”
- “Will you sign this petition?”
- “You can depend on me.”
Lack of moral courage sounds like…
- “It is none of my business.”
- “S/he got what s/he deserved.”
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Notes in GE 5 – Ethics
- “That has nothing to do with me.”
- “How could you do this to me?”
- “It is not for me to judge.”
- “I only did it once.”
- “This is all your fault!”
- “Just let it slide.”
- “There is no use trying to change the system. It is just too strong.” -
“Nobody else is doing anything about it. Why should I?”
- “I might get into trouble.”
- “Do not make waves.”
- “Nobody ever gives me a break.”

DEVELOPING WILL AND MORAL COURAGE

Develop and practice self-discipline.
The concept of self-discipline involves the rejection of instant gratification in
favor of something better. Ethically applied, self-discipline 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.
It 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.

Do mental strength training.

One of the most simple and effective methods under 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. 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.
Examples (although some of them are not necessarily ethically
related) - Do not open the internet for a day or two.
- Drink water or juice, in spite of your desire to have liquor or soda. -
Avoid chatting with your gossipy friend.
- For a week, go to sleep one hour earlier than usual.
- Resist the desire to gamble.
By following a 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.

Draw inspiration from people of great courage.

People usually admire and respect persons 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. 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 well-being, we witness moral courage and will in action.

Repeatedly do acts that exhibit moral courage and will.

If one wishes to nurture moral courage and will, s/he must strive doing the acts
that manifest them whenever opportunity allows it.
Examples:
- Helping someone push a car, even if it means being late
- Standing up to a bully on the playground.
- Picking up litter
 - Doing homework or chores without being reminded
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Notes in GE 5 – Ethics
- Refusing to listen or repeat gossip
- Practicing what you preach, even when no one is looking
- Turning in an important item to the Lost and Found section
- Calling home for a ride from a party where alcohol is being served - Giving
everyone an equal voice regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, gender or
sexual orientation
- Becoming company whistle blower even if it risks job loss, financial cost, and/or
legal repercussion
- Reporting a crime
- Participating in a peaceful protest

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.
Examples:
- 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
- Placing too much reliance on the letter rather than the spirit of the law -
Remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing or injustice
- Rationalizing or justifying actions or lack of action
- Being inconsistent or capricious with rules and standards for one’s children -
Choosing sides after seeing which way the wind is blowing
- Breaking a promise
- Lying or cheating

Main Reference:
ETHICS: Principles of Ethical Behavior in Modern Society
by Jens Micah De Guzman et al.
Moral Courage, pages 75 – 83

Prepared by:
MICHAEL ANGELO F. EMPIZO
Saint Louis College, City of San Fernando, La Union
Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the
Church October 15, 2020
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