Book 3
1
Such is the nature of Courage; but the name is also applied to five divergent types of character.
1
(1) First, as most closely resembling true Courage comes the citizen’s courage.Political courage: Plato uses this phrase (Plat. Rep. 430c) of patriotic courage, based on training and right opinion about what is terrible and what is not, and in contrast with the undisciplined courage of slaves and brute beasts. Elsewhere, on the other hand, he contrasts popular and citizen virtue in general with the philosopher’s virtue, which is based on knowledge. Citizen troops appear to endure dangers because of the legal penalties and the reproach attaching to cowardice, and the honors awarded to bravery; hence those races appear to be the bravest among which cowards are degraded and brave men held in honor.
2
It is this citizen courage which inspires the heroes portrayed by Homer, like Diomede and Hector: Polydamas will be the first to flout me;Hom. Il. 22.100 ( Hector)—Alas, should I retire within the gates, Polydamas, . . . and Diomede says Hector will make his boast at Troy hereafter: “By me was Tydeus’ son . . .”Hom. Il. 8.148—By me was Tydeus’s son routed in flight Back to the ships.
