John Clohisy
The Courageous Harry Potter by Tom Morris

I. Magic and Virtue
A. These characters still have loads of problems despite their magical abilities
B. They solve these problems using qualities commonly known as virtues
C. Rowling’s aim is to display the magical importance of the classic virtues in her characters’ lives, and in any life

II. The Virtues at Hogwarts
A. Houses capitalize on bravery, cleverness, hard work, and great ambition
B. Harry is placed in Gryffindor even though its main quality, bravery, is something that Harry does not have too much of

III. Feelings of Fear
A. Rowling characterizes only Harry’s fear from the inside
B. Harry feels fear in stomach, heart, numbness or paralysis, body and mind, but always overcomes it with courage

IV. Harry’s Recipe for Courage
A. Courage = doing what is right, even though it might be the best for the person
B. Aristotle: courage is the point b/w cowardice and rashness
C. Courage complements the other virtues
D. 5 steps: prepare for the challenge / surround yourself with support / engage in positive self-talk / focus on what’s at stake / take appropriate action
E. A positive attitude is important, but it’s getting into action that’s most important of all

V. Harry’s Big Step of Faith
A. 3rd step of Triwizard Tournament – importance of both focusing on what’s at stake in a dangerous situation and taking action before having any realistic assurance that it will be efficacious or he will even be coming out alive
B. Sometimes when great values are at stake, you just have to take action, regardless of how you feel … COURAGE
C. Soren Kirkegaard: when momentous values are at stake, thinking and reasoning about what we should do can only take us so far