Forgiveness
A Philosophical Exploration

The first comprehensive philosophical book on forgiveness in both its interpersonal and political contexts.

Charles Griswold (Author)

9780521703512, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 September 2007

270 pages
22.7 x 15 x 1.5 cm, 0.372 kg

'One finishes Griswold's Forgiveness wanting to continue the conversation, to find out yet more. that the account raises so many questions is a clear strength of what is also a wide-ranging text that somehow manages to discuss Ancient notions of forgiveness, offer its own positive and countercultural account and engage with contemporary politics, and all in a refreshingly accessible fashion.' Journal of Value Inquiry

Nearly everyone has wronged another. Who among us has not longed to be forgiven? Who has not struggled to forgive? Charles Griswold has written the first comprehensive philosophical book on forgiveness in both its interpersonal and political contexts, as well as its relation to reconciliation. Having examined the place of forgiveness in ancient philosophy and in modern thought, he discusses what forgiveness is, what conditions the parties to it must meet, its relation to revenge and hatred, when it is permissible and whether it is obligatory, and why it is a virtue. Griswold argues that forgiveness (unlike apology) is inappropriate in politics, and analyzes the nature and limits of political apology with reference to historical examples (including Truth and Reconciliation Commissions). The book concludes with an examination of the relation between memory, narrative, and truth.

Prologue
1. Forgiveness ancient and modern
2. Forgiveness at its best
3. Imperfect forgiveness
4. Political apology, forgiveness, and reconciliation
5. Truth, memory, and reconciliation without apology.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Philosophy [HP]