1st Edition

Forgiveness and Revenge

By Trudy Govier Copyright 2002
    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    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.

    1. Revenge and Retribution 2. Some Political Horrors 3. Resentment and Forgiveness 4. One-Sided Forgiveness? 5. Can Groups Forgive? 6. The Unforgivable 7. Monstrous Deeds, not Monstrous People 8. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Appendix 1. Religious Traditions on Forgiveness Appendix 2. Respect for Persons as an Ethical Foundation

    Biography

    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.

    'Splendid ... cogently and persuasively argued, it makes out the case for forgiveness and reconciliation on sound philosophical and secular grounds. I am very impressed.' - Desmond Tutu