本文以經典文本為據，指出相較於西方之智、義、勇、節「四樞德」，中國儒家亦將「知」、「仁」、「勇」三者並稱，稱為「三達德」。其中「勇德」具有「不懼」、「知恥」和「耐力」三個主要特性；「勇」的意義也從「勇德」為貴，「勇氣」次之，「勇力」為輕，三重意涵呈現。最後，結論出真正的勇德必是「發乎仁，合義、合禮且好學之勇」，此亦是「仁者之勇」、「士君子之勇」、「上勇」、「聖人之勇」、「文王之勇」、「武王之勇」、「大勇」。此正符合西哲柏拉圖、亞里斯多德、多瑪斯、麥金泰等人「德行一體論」的觀點。

Based on classical texts, this paper is to make a comparison between the western four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance,) and the Confucian three virtues 9wisdom, benevolence and courage). Of the three virtues, “courage” is marked by “fearlessness,” “sense of shame” and “patience,” while the meaning of “courage” is most importantly about “the virtue of courage. Secondly about “bravery” and lastly about “power and courage.” Finally, it’s concluded that the virtue of true courage must be traced back to benevolence, in accordance with justice and properness, and the love for learning. This is also what we called “the benevolent man’s courage,” “the gentleman’s courage,” “the precious courage,” “the sage’s courage,” “King Wen’s courage” “King Wu’s courage” and “the great courage.” Such a concept of courage is consistent with “the doctrine of the unity of the virtues” of western philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas and Alasdair MacIntyre.