Item 3 in Stoic Four Cardinal Virtues
Courage
Act rightly despite fear, hardship or social pressure, without confusing courage with aggression.
- Position
- 3
- Form
- Virtue to cultivate
- Obligation
- Aspirational
- Wording status
- Editorial paraphrase
- Intended audience
- Persons pursuing Stoic philosophical practice
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2026
Names and terminology
Canonical name: Courage
Original term: Andreia
Source wording
Editorial paraphrase: Act rightly despite fear, hardship or social pressure, without confusing courage with aggression.
Literal meaning
Act rightly despite fear, hardship or social pressure, without confusing courage with aggression.
Broader interpretation
Interpretation depends on the framework's historical purpose, intended audience and relationship to its other principles.
Ethical purpose
To shape conduct or character in a way consistent with the wider ethical framework.
Modern application
Modern application requires attention to consent, rights, evidence, foreseeable harm and changing social conditions.
Criticism and difficult cases
Application can become difficult when this principle conflicts with another duty, when harm is indirect, or when ancient social assumptions do not fit modern conditions.
Truth By Reason analysis
Truth By Reason assesses this principle according to evidence, rights, intentions, foreseeable consequences and consistency with the treatment of all affected beings.
Ethical themes
Sources
- Stoicism Academic / peer reviewed