6. Study Guide on Aristotle, Book III, 6-9, B

What two feelings are specific to the virtue of courage according to Aristotle?

Fear and confidence

What are some of the evil things that humans legitimately fear?

Death, dishonor, and suffering

What fears do not have to do with bravery?

Everyday concerns, such as poverty or sickness.

What is the one specific fear related to bravery?

Fear of death in battle

Why does Aristotle hold this fear in high esteem?

Death in battle is the ultimate test of bravery and honor

Can you distinguish between the two types of frightening things?

Uncontrollable (beyond human strength) and controllable fears

What might be an example of each type?

Natural disasters (uncontrollable), a personal threat (controllable).

Which pertains to the brave person?

Controllable fears; bravery is resisting fear through reason

How does Aristotle describe fear and confidence in the brave person?

As a balance, avoiding extremes of excess and deficiency.

How does Aristotle describe recklessness, rashness, and cowardice?

Recklessness: lack of fear; Rashness: false courage; Cowardice: overwhelming fear.

How are rashness and cowardice different?

Rashness is too much confidence, cowardice is too much fear.

How are rashness and cowardice the same?

Both deviate from the mean of proper courage

What feelings operate in recklessness, rashness, and cowardice?

Recklessness: no fear; Rashness: overconfidence; Cowardice: overwhelming fear

What actions might indicate recklessness, rashness, or cowardice

Recklessness: careless risks; Rashness: hasty actions; Cowardice: avoiding danger

What does Aristotle emphasize about bravery at 1116a10-12?

Bravery is about noble actions in the face of fear

What actions indicate cowardice outside the battlefield?

Avoiding responsibilities or challenges due to fear

What would a courageous person's actions be like?

Deliberate and for the noble purpose

What would their feelings be like?

Controlled fear and confidence.

What conditions in their soul must be present for courage?

Reason and the pursuit of noble goals

What is the final end at which their action is aiming?

The noble and good

What is their moving cause?

Rational deliberation.

Would they deliberate and exercise choice?

Yes, based on reason.

Would they have a stable state?

Yes, courage requires stability of character.

Would they feel pain or pleasure on the battlefield?

Pain, because courage involves facing danger and harm.

What would a coward's actions be like?

Avoidance and submission to fear

What would coward's feelings be like?

Overwhelmed by fear.

What conditions in their soul must be present for cowardice?

Lack of reason, dominated by fear.

What is the final end of cowardice?

Apparent good, like safety or comfort.

What is cowardice moving cause?

Fear and avoidance

Would cowards deliberate and exercise choice?

Yes, but based on fear

Would Cowards have a stable state?

No, as fear leads to instability

Who would you choose between a reckless, rash, or cowardly soldier, and why?

Reckless, because at least they act, unlike the coward.

Why do pseudo-states of courage fall short of true courage?

Reckless, because at least they act, unlike the coward.

Why do pseudo-states of courage fall short of true courage?

They lack the right motivations or balance of feelings.

How does citizen courage differ from true courage?

It's motivated by external rewards, not the noble.

How does passionate courage differ from true courage

It’s driven by emotion, not reason.

What are the final causes of citizen courage?

Honor, recognition, and rewards.

Rank these final causes:

Best: honor; Worst: material rewards.

Why does passionate courage fall short?

Driven by emotion and not aimed at the noble.

What is the moving cause of passionate courage?

Impulsive passion.

Why is courage more about fear than confidence?

Bravery requires overcoming fear, not just having confidence.

Does a brave person feel pleasure or pain on the battlefield?

Pain, because of the risk and harm involved