Abstract

When we think of courage, we imagine bravery in war. But is there other courage? A beautiful, attractive woman asks you to make love to her but you refuse: do you lack courage? Let us leave this aside. Is there such a thing as courage in philosophy? A philosopher challenges you and you refuse? Are you lacking courage? This question must have first and last occurred to me when observing Derek Parfit speak. Parfit appeared to challenge me, but I didn’t take him seriously. But is that a lack of courage? I present some excuses for not taking up the challenge. But what if you have none of these? You have to accept that you lack courage then, by the local standards anyway.