PSYC FPX 4110 assessment 2 Wisdom, Courage, and Humanity Reflection Paper
Capella University
PSYC FPX 4110 Positive Psychology
Prof. Name
December, 2024
Activity Summary
PSYC FPX 4110 assessment 2 The “Wisdom, Courage, and Humanity Reflection” activity is about self-reflection and analyzing its applicability to personal development and moral choice in observing three fundamental virtues: wisdom, courage, and humanity. Wisdom involves discernment about what is true, right, and enduring to guide action with prudence and foresight (McAllister, 2022). Courage pertains to strength when faced with a challenge or taking a risk for one’s principles, especially against fear or adversity. All these things together constitute humanity kindness, compassion, and empathy. In other words, if improving others involves the creation of a human relationship, so does becoming human. In this reflection practice, people will reflect on their experiences in deciding personal and professional options where they can find themselves vis-a-vis those values and actions. It provides participants with insight into their ethical framework and character through reflection on scenarios whereby those virtues were applied or otherwise could have been better assimilated. This activity will also manifest that these virtues inter-link, as a person’s wisdom precedes his courage and humanity’s actions that ought to be compassionated. From this, they will gain a sense of how they fit into the promotion of positive practices and relationships that would form a basis for good living and impactful influence.
The “Wisdom, Courage, and Humanity Reflection” activity not only encourages reflection but also growth in terms of action, as it enables people to understand how such virtues influence their choices and relationships. Wisdom, for instance, is more than an intellectual understanding; it demands the practical application of knowledge to make ethical decisions, especially in times of uncertainty or complexity (Conroy et al., 2021). This includes courage, which is challenging people to face all fears both in personal and professional aspects, such as making justice in difficult situations and embracing change despite the potential risk of risks. Humanity deepens the framework by fostering a connection and responsibility toward others emphasizing the importance of being gentle with people even in problematic situations. This activity teaches participants to identify situations in which they may have fallen short of these virtues, understand the factors that led to those moments, and set intentions for future improvement. It also allows the discussion of how these virtues play out about larger ethical principles, such as fairness, honesty, and accountability. By deeply engaging in the virtues of wisdom, courage, and humanity, it is possible to better align actions taken to values, enhance emotional intelligence, and contribute meaningfully to communities and professional spaces. This reflection is a stepladder to living an ethical and fulfilling life.
Relationship to Positive Psychology
Wisdom, courage, and humanity virtues share the same foundation of positive psychology because they emphasize human flourishing, well-being, and fulfillment. Strengths-based development, for instance, is what characterizes positive psychology, with individuals encouraged to develop such strengths as enhancing resilience, purpose, and interpersonal connections (Ruch et al., 2020). A guiding virtue like wisdom, therefore calls for critical thinking and sound judgment so that individuals can understand life and its complexities. Courageousness promotes personal growth because it encourages one to act and persevere with integrity, especially in adversity or moral dilemmas. Humanity, with the values of empathy and kindness, fosters relationships and leads to a sense of belonging and community. These values, in themselves, encompass the definition of positive psychology as a balanced and purposeful life that is in harmony with one’s values and strengths. These values also support psychological resilience and emotional intelligence as crucial components for the pursuit of sustained happiness and meaning. Through practice, individuals can be better experienced in terms of well-being, self-actualization, and positive influence which is supposed to be derived from the transformative goals for positive psychology.
The virtues of wisdom, courage, and humanity also echo some of the central frameworks of positive psychology, like Martin Seligman’s PERMA model, which is centered on five pillars of well-being: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (Wei, 2024). Wisdom, by emphasizing discernment and foresight, strengthens decision-making and fosters meaning in life by enabling individuals to better align their actions with long-term goals and values. Courage, conversely, directly contributes to the achievement of goals by giving people the courage to face their fears, take initiative, and not give up in the face of adversity. Humanity, with all its compassion and kindness, strengthens relations, which are at the center of emotional well-being and a feeling of community. By incorporating these virtues into everyday life, one can create a cycle of virtuousness wherein positive emotions and meaningful connections help build personal and professional fulfillment.
Moreover, these virtues are a cornerstone of building resilience and handling stress, which is an important aspect of positive psychology. Wisdom enables one to view trying situations as chances for growth and, therefore, learn from the negative experience, whereas courage leads one to face and learn from adversities rather than shun them. Humanity allows people to be emotionally supported while undergoing challenges through relationships built on trust and mutual care (Monteux & Monteux, 2020). Together, they increase not only the wellness of an individual but also the positivity in the surroundings and promote wholesome environments of ethics. In acquiring wisdom, courage, and humanity, a person does not merely flower to his excellence but becomes a contributing member in giving purpose to the community as well and represents the full scope of the transformative potentiality that is positive psychology.
Application to Personal or Professional Issues
The virtues of wisdom, courage, and humanity have both personal and professional applications; that is, they would provide a basis for making ethical choices as well as how to approach the interpersonal dimension. On a professional level, being wise allows people to evaluate intricate circumstances, make sound judgmental decisions, and project likely outcomes (West & Buckby, 2022). This ensures that strategic thinking and problem-solving prevail. Courage is the essence of addressing tough issues, whether it is standing up for ethical practices, raising the voice of the marginalized, or taking calculated risks to innovate and improve. Humanity adds to teamwork and leadership by fostering empathy, understanding different perspectives, and building trust among colleagues or clients. Personally, these virtues help navigate relationships, solve conflicts, and make choices that are in line with one’s values. For example, wisdom might advise a decision to forgo short-term gratification and focus on long-term goals, courage might empower a person to face their fears or setbacks, and humanity could make connections stronger by being compassionate and kind in moments of need. Collectively, these virtues create a foundation that challenges problems with integrity and resilience, allowing people to grow and engage in meaningful activities both personally and professionally.
PSYC FPX 4110 assessment 2 References
Conroy, M., Malik, A. Y., Hale, C., Weir, C., Brockie, A., & Turner, C. (2021). Using practical wisdom to facilitate ethical decision-making: a major empirical study of phronesis in the decision narratives of doctors. BMC Medical Ethics, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-021-00581-y
