In defence of unconditional forgiveness

Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society 103 (1):39–60 (2003)
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Abstract

In this paper, the principal objections to unconditional forgiveness are canvassed, primarily that it fails to take wrongdoing seriously enough, and that it displays a lack of self-respect. It is argued that these objections stem from a mistaken understanding of what forgiveness actually involves, including the erroneous view that forgiveness involves some degree of condoning of the offence, and is incompatible with blaming the offender or punishing him. Two positive reasons for endorsing unconditional forgiveness are considered: respect for persons and human solidarity; and it is argued that the latter provides more plausible grounds for it than the former

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David McNaughton
Florida State University

Citations of this work

Forgiveness and Love.Glen Pettigrove - 2012 - Oxford, GB: Oxford University Press.
Wiping the Slate clean: The heart of forgiveness.Lucy Allais - 2008 - Philosophy and Public Affairs 36 (1):33–68.
The Economic Model of Forgiveness.Brandon Warmke - 2014 - Pacific Philosophical Quarterly 97 (4):570-589.
Reasons to forgive.Per-Erik Milam - 2019 - Analysis 79 (2):242-251.
Elective Forgiveness.Lucy Allais - 2013 - International Journal of Philosophical Studies 21 (5):1-17.

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References found in this work

.R. G. Swinburne - 1989 - Cambridge University Press.
Forgiveness and Mercy.Jeffrie G. Murphy & Jean Hampton - 1988 - Cambridge University Press.
Responsibility and atonement.Richard Swinburne - 1989 - New York: Oxford University Press.
.J. Hampton - 2006 - Cambridge University Press.
Forgiveness and self-respect.David Novitz - 1998 - Philosophy and Phenomenological Research 58 (2):299-315.

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