The Nine Virtues - Courage

Dictionary Definition

noun

1. The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

Obsolete

2. The heart as the source of emotion.

Idiom

3. Have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

Dictionary.com

ADF Definition

The ability to act appropriately in the face of adversity.
Dedicant Manual .mobi Version Downloaded 6.15.11

My Understanding

 Courage and bravery are often used as synonyms, to me courage is right action in the face of adversity while bravery is feeling afraid but taking action in spite of that fear. It is a subtle but distinct difference. Adversity may include fear but not always and not necessarily the same sort of fear one faces regarding bravery. We refer to the bravery of warriors and heroes in regard to physical fear or fear of failure, the sort of fear that regards immediate threats. Courage, on the other hand, is right action in the face of adversity. Whether this is right action in the name of social justice – defending gay marriage and by doing so risking the wrath or censure of your community or employer – or right action in the face of something as straight forward as defying a cruel person.

Just defiance would be another way of describing courage; defiance towards immoral action and thinking by right action, leading by example, establishing an alternative by becoming the alternative.

Note: I’ve just discovered A Virtuous Life:TheNine Virtues of ADF (Study packet for DP Requirement 1) Compiled by Michael J Dangler. I’ve read through the opening and have found it quite useful and will be incorporating it into these posts and my final essays. I believe it’s only accessible via a member’s login to the ADF site.