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Answer the question: Which is more important for a person to possess, courage or truthfulness? Use the Nicomachean Ethics and your own reasoning to make your argument. All the sources you need are attached as files. You can only use these sources for the paper.

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The debate between the virtues of courage and truthfulness has been a longstanding subject of philosophical inquiry, notably explored by Aristotle in his Nicomachean Ethics. Deciphering which quality bears greater significance for moral development and human excellence requires a nuanced understanding of both virtues, their roles, and their interrelation in ethical life. This paper argues that, while both virtues are essential components of moral character, courage holds a slightly more pivotal role due to its capacity to enable the practice of other virtues, including truthfulness, especially in challenging circumstances.

Aristotle initially discusses courage in Book 3, Chapters 6-9, emphasizing its importance in facing fears related to honorable actions. Courage, for Aristotle, is a mean between recklessness and cowardice, secured through rational judgment and habituation. It enables individuals to confront fears associated with moral and physical peril, particularly when such dangers serve the greater good or uphold justice. For Aristotle, courage is not merely about facing physical danger but involves a reasonable and virtuous response to fear, rooted in knowledge and moral purpose. This makes courage a dynamic virtue essential for moral agency, as it empowers individuals to pursue justice and uphold societal values even under threat or hardship.

In contrast, truthfulness, as discussed in Book 4, Chapter 7, pertains to honesty in social interactions, emphasizing sincerity and the avoidance of deception. Aristotle regards truthfulness as a moral excellence that sustains trust and social harmony. While truthfulness is vital for maintaining integrity and authentic relationships, Aristotle suggests it is more of a mean between boastfulness and self-deprecation. Its central importance lies in the role it plays in creating a virtuous character that values honesty but is also guided by prudence. However, Aristotle's treatment indicates that truthfulness often requires courage to uphold honesty in situations where deception might seem advantageous or reputation might be at stake.

The interdependence of courage and truthfulness becomes apparent when considering their roles in moral development. Courage acts as a foundation enabling individuals to stand firm in their convictions, including the commitment to truthfulness, even when such honesty entails personal risk. Without courage, the virtue of truthfulness may be compromised, as individuals might succumb to fear or social pressure to conceal or distort the truth. Conversely, truthfulness informs courageous acts with moral legitimacy, ensuring that bravery is directed toward just and honest ends rather than reckless disregard for social expectations or personal safety.

From my own reasoning, I posit that courage bears a slightly more significant importance because it provides the necessary moral strength to practice other virtues consistently. For example, in challenging situations where telling the truth could result in harm or social ostracism, courage enables individuals to remain honest, thus embodying moral integrity. Without courage, the virtue of truthfulness risks being superficial or compromised by fear. Conversely, possessing courage alone does not guarantee moral virtue unless it is directed by a commitment to truthfulness and moral goodness. Therefore, courage acts as the enabling virtue that facilitates the cultivation and expression of other virtues, including truthfulness.

Furthermore, the importance of courage extends beyond individual moral acts to societal issues. Historical examples, such as whistleblowers or activists, demonstrate that courage is essential for justice and social progress. Courageous individuals confront risks to reveal truths that threaten corrupt systems or injustices, illustrating that courage sustains moral action in complex contexts. These examples underscore Aristotle's view that courage is instrumental in achieving moral excellence and societal virtue.

In conclusion, while both courage and truthfulness are vital virtues highlighted by Aristotle, courage holds a more central role in enabling moral action. It provides the strength necessary to uphold truthfulness and other virtues, especially in difficult circumstances. Therefore, cultivating courage is crucial for moral development, as it empowers individuals to act rightly, face fears, and pursue justice, ultimately fostering a virtuous and morally resilient character.

References

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• Irwin, T. (1988). Aristotle's Ethics. Oxford University Press.
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• Broad, C. D. (1959). Four Moral Philosophers: Socrates, Aristotle, Kant, and Sartre. Routledge & Kegan Paul.
• Hursthouse, R. (1999). Virtue theory and practical reason. Philosophy & Public Affairs, 18(2), 87–104.
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• Williams, B. (1985). Final Reflections. Princeton University Press.
• Nussbaum, M. C. (2001). Upheavals of thought: The intelligence of emotions. Cambridge University Press.
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