Abstract

Using the categories established by David Heyd's work on supererogation, this article explores the concept of forgiveness. Heyd's distinction between dutiful and supererogatory forms of forgiveness is questionable because he, in common with many other philosophers, views any act of forgiveness, whether stemming from duty or supererogatory forbearance, as morally admirable. Such a view can be supported only if one ignores the way in which forgiveness is sensitive to context. Not every act of forgiveness is permissible. In some situations, forgiveness is not a morally sound option.