Courage is often seen as a virtue due to its role in overcoming fear and achieving noble goals, but it can also lead to reckless or harmful actions.
I. Introduction
- Hook: Courage is admired in stories and heroes.
- Background: Brief overview of courage and its traditional view as a virtue.
- Thesis Statement: Courage is often seen as a virtue due to its role in overcoming fear and achieving noble goals, but it can also lead to reckless or harmful actions.
II. Supporting View 1: Overcoming Fear for Noble Goals
- Topic Sentence: Courage helps people overcome fear to achieve noble goals.
- Example 1: In India, Mahatma Gandhi’s courage led to India’s independence through non-violent resistance.
- Analysis: Gandhi’s courage is virtuous because it achieved freedom without violence.
III. Supporting View 2: Promoting Justice and Integrity
- Topic Sentence: Courage is essential in promoting justice and integrity.
- Example 1: In South Africa, Nelson Mandela’s courage in fighting apartheid inspired global change.
- Analysis: Mandela’s courage was virtuous as it fought oppression and promoted equality.
IV. Opposing View 1: Potential for Recklessness
- Topic Sentence: Courage can sometimes lead to reckless or dangerous actions.
- Example 1: In Russia, young daredevils who climb skyscrapers for thrills risk their lives needlessly.
- Analysis: This form of courage is not virtuous as it endangers lives without noble purpose.
V. Opposing View 2: Harmful Consequences
- Topic Sentence: Courage can have harmful consequences if not guided by wisdom.
- Example 1: In some Middle Eastern conflicts, individuals show courage by joining extremist groups, causing harm.
- Analysis: Courage in this context is not virtuous as it leads to violence and suffering.
VI. Conclusion
- Restate Thesis: Courage can be a virtue when it achieves noble goals and promotes justice but can also lead to recklessness and harm.
- Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
- Final Thought: Courage must be guided by wisdom and morality to be truly virtuous.
