Abstract
In the present chapter, we seek to define, classify and characterize the complex construct of moral courage. Moral courage is defined as brave behavior accompanied by anger and indignation which intends to enforce societal and ethical norms without considering one’s own social costs. Especially social costs (i.e., negative social consequences) distinguish moral courage from other prosocial behaviors like helping behavior. Furthermore, similarities between moral courage and heroism as well as between moral courage and social control are discussed. We also present determinants which promote or inhibit morally courageous behavior followed by a model for moral courage that tries to combine these determinants. Finally, moral courage trainings are shortly discussed as a possibility to foster moral courage in our society.
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Notes
- 1.
Moral courage overlaps with “bystander intervention.” In our opinion moral courage includes bystander intervention, but is more broadly based.
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Osswald, S., Frey, D., Streicher, B. (2011). Moral Courage. In: Kals, E., Maes, J. (eds) Justice and Conflicts. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-19035-3_24
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