Forgiveness and Revenge

by Govier,Trudy

• ISBN13: 9780415278553
• ISBN10: 0415278554
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-06-14
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Is violent revenge ever morally justified? Is forgiveness necessary for reconciliation? Is anything unforgivable? In this timely exploration of our attitudes to wrongdoing, Trudy Govier examines 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 aims to clear up some of our thinking on this subject by examining the moral and practical impact of revenge and forgiveness, both personal and political.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Revenge and retribution	1	(22)
Some political horrors	23	(19)
Resentment and forgiveness	42	(20)
One-sided forgiveness?	62	(16)
Can groups forgive?	78	(22)
The unforgivable	100	(19)
Monstrous deeds, not monstrous people	119	(22)
Forgiveness and reconciliation	141	(17)
Appendix 1 Religious traditions on forgiveness	158	(6)
Appendix II Respect for persons as an ethical foundation	164	(5)
Notes	169	(24)
Bibliography	193	(8)
Index	201