Forgiveness and Revenge

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Psychology Press, 2002 - Philosophy - 205 pages

Forgiveness and Revenge is a powerful exploration of our attitudes to serious wrongdoings and a careful examination of the values that underlie our thinking about revenge and forgiveness.
From adulterous spouses to terrorist factions, we are surrounded by wrongdoing, yet we rarely agree which response is appropriate. The problem of how to respond realistically and sensitively to the wrongs of the past remains a perplexing one. Trudy Govier clarifies our thinking on this subject by examining the moral and practical impact of revenge and forgiveness, both personal and political.
Forgiveness and Revenge offers much-needed clarity and reason where emotions often prevail. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the ethics of attitudes to wrongdoing.

 

Contents

Some political horrors
23
Resentment and forgiveness
42
Onesided forgiveness?
62
Can groups forgive?
78
The unforgivable
100
Monstrous deeds not monstrous people
119
Forgiveness and reconciliation
141
Religious traditions on forgiveness
158
Respect for persons as an ethical foundation
164
Bibliography
193
Index
201
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About the author (2002)

Trudy Govier is former Associate Professor of Philosophy at Trent University, Ontario. She is the author of eight books, including A Practical Study of Argument.

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