Moral courage is the courage to take action for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences.
Courage is required to take action when one has doubts or fears about the consequences. Moral courage therefore involves deliberation or careful thought. Reflex action or dogmatic fanaticism do not involve moral courage because such impulsive actions are not based upon moral reasoning.
Moral courage may also require physical courage when the consequences are punishment or other bodily peril.
Famous quotes containing the words moral and/or courage:
“Style is not neutral; it gives moral directions.”
—Martin Amis (b. 1949)
“We often in our misfortunes take that for constancy and patience which is only dejection of mind; we suffer without daring to hold up our heads, just as cowards let themselves be knocked on the head because they have not courage to strike back.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)