Be not afraid : The virtue of fearlessness

Journal article


Paytas, Tyler. (2021). Be not afraid : The virtue of fearlessness. Philosophers' Imprint. 21(23), pp. 1-13.
AuthorsPaytas, Tyler
Abstract

Most contemporary virtue theorists hold that fear of genuine dangers is appropriate, and that what matters is one’s ability to surmount it when necessary. To overcome fear for the sake of the good is an act of courage, while succumbing to it is the manifestation of cowardice. This orthodox view comprises a significant oversight. While it is true that overcoming one’s fear in a moment of crisis is a mark of excellence, courage is not the highest ideal toward which we ought to strive. Virtue theories that give courage an exalted status fail to appreciate the excellence exhibited by those who dutifully or lovingly put themselves in harm’s way without having to overcome an inclination to avoid. While courage is certainly admirable, fearlessness is more excellent in two respects. First, the fearless agent possesses more robust psychological harmony, which includes a deeply internalized acceptance of the fact that one’s personal safety is not the most important thing in life. This attribute is valuable for its own sake. Second, the fearless agent is able to successfully act in accordance with her values with greater reliability because she never has to override a desire to avoid when she ought to confront instead.

Year2021
JournalPhilosophers' Imprint
Journal citation21 (23), pp. 1-13
PublisherMichigan Publishing
ISSN1533-628X
Web address (URL)http://hdl.handle.net/2027/spo.3521354.0021.023
Open accessOpen access
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range1-13
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
OnlineSep 2021
Publication process dates
Deposited30 May 2022
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