I'm so sorry I am getting to this late, guys.
You would not BELIEVE the issues I've had this week.
Anyway, let's talk about heroism.
What is heroism? Everyone has a different definition of the term "hero". Most people in society would define a "hero" as someone like Superman, or the Flash, or any sort of person with super abnormal abilities that betters society against an antagonist of some sort. Right?
But to Bernstein, "heroism" is something completely different.
In his essay, "The Philosophical Foundations of Heroism", Dr. Bernstein reveals 4 components that make a good hero. He believes that a hero must have moral greatness, a definition of itself. The hero must be a moral person and that the hero believes in holding high moral standards. He also believes that the hero should have some ability or prowess that makes him unique. When it comes to action, Bernstein thinks the hero should be able to act in face of opposition. And lastly, he should triumph not only in the physical, but the spiritual form as well.
I would agree with Bernsteins terms. I think a hero is not just a person with a costume and a cape, but a hero could be a pedestrian, a common person that seemed to be passing by. A hero is someone with good intentions that tries to make society better. Even if the actions affect the hero himself. While people with super abilities and awesome theme songs are generally good for a cinematic audience, why can't we consider the actual definition of a hero? A fireman for instance, fights fires to protect citizens from harm. This fireman has high moral standards, that it would be wrong to let the fire consume that poor woman's house. He has abilities that let him control the fire, the knowledge to pick up his hose. He puts out the flames, even when he can feel the heat himself. This is a true hero.
I guess it would be kind of cool to have a cape though...
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