Forgiveness and Its Moral Dimensions

Philosophical interest in forgiveness has increased due to new psychological research, institutional apologies, and attention to responsibility, blame, and praise. This book presents twelve new essays from leading philosophers that address core questions about the nature and norms of forgiveness while also raising new questions and offering original proposals.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 328 pages
\n Publication date: 07 September 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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Philosophical interest in forgiveness has experienced a notable resurgence, driven by a multitude of factors. This renewed interest reflects, at least in part, a substantial body of new research in psychology, notable instances of institutional apologies and forgiveness, and heightened focus on the practices surrounding responsibility, blame, and praise. In this comprehensive volume, esteemed philosophers from around the world present twelve entirely fresh essays on the topic of forgiveness. Some contributors have been exploring the realm of forgiveness for decades, while others have taken this opportunity to further develop their thoughts on the subject, which they previously touched upon in their previous works. For certain contributors, this marks their inaugural foray into the realm of forgiveness writing. Despite their diverse backgrounds and perspectives, all the contributions in this book collectively push the boundaries of forgiveness discourse by raising entirely new questions, proposing innovative ideas and arguments, and establishing connections to various themes such as free will, moral responsibility, collective wrongdoing, apology, religion, and our emotional experiences.

Introduction:
The study of forgiveness has always held a central place in philosophical inquiry, exploring the complex nature of human relationships and the potential for reconciliation and healing. However, in recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of interest in this topic, driven by a multitude of factors. This renewed interest reflects, at least in part, a substantial body of new research in psychology, notable instances of institutional apologies and forgiveness, and heightened focus on the practices surrounding responsibility, blame, and praise. In this comprehensive volume, esteemed philosophers from around the world present twelve entirely fresh essays on the topic of forgiveness. Some contributors have been exploring the realm of forgiveness for decades, while others have taken this opportunity to further develop their thoughts on the subject, which they previously touched upon in their previous works. For certain contributors, this marks their inaugural foray into the realm of forgiveness writing. Despite their diverse backgrounds and perspectives, all the contributions in this book collectively push the boundaries of forgiveness discourse by raising entirely new questions, proposing innovative ideas and arguments, and establishing connections to various themes such as free will, moral responsibility, collective wrongdoing, apology, religion, and our emotional experiences.

New Psychological Research:
One of the driving forces behind the resurgence of philosophical interest in forgiveness is the growing body of research in psychology that sheds light on the psychological processes and mechanisms associated with forgiveness. Psychologists have been exploring various aspects of forgiveness, including its nature, determinants, and potential benefits. They have examined how individuals process forgiveness, the factors that influence their decision to forgive, and the long-term effects of forgiveness on individuals and relationships. This research has provided valuable insights into the complexities of the forgiveness process and has challenged traditional notions of forgiveness as a simple act of pardon or reconciliation.

Institutional Apologies and Forgiveness:
Another significant factor contributing to the resurgence of philosophical interest in forgiveness is the increasing number of institutional apologies and forgiveness initiatives. In recent years, organizations and institutions have recognized the power of apologies and forgiveness in healing wounds and promoting social cohesion. Examples include the Catholic Church's apology for its historical abuse of children by priests and the widespread adoption of apology practices in various contexts, such as workplace conflicts, racial tensions, and political controversies. These instances have demonstrated the potential for forgiveness to bridge divides, promote empathy, and foster positive change.

Attention to Responsibility, Blame, and Praise:
In addition to the psychological and institutional aspects of forgiveness, there has been a growing emphasis on the practices surrounding responsibility, blame, and praise. Philosophers have begun to explore the ethical implications of these practices and how they shape our understanding of forgiveness. They have questioned the role of responsibility in determining the appropriateness of forgiveness and the consequences of assigning blame or praise. They have also explored the ethical dimensions of praise and how it can contribute to the perpetuation of harmful behaviors or undermine the development of empathy and understanding.

Contributions of Philosophers:
The contributions of philosophers in this book are diverse and thought-provoking. Some contributors have been writing about forgiveness for decades, bringing their extensive knowledge and expertise to the table. Others have taken the opportunity to develop their thinking about forgiveness, expanding on ideas they broached in their previous work. Some contributors have even ventured into the realm of forgiveness writing for the first time, offering fresh perspectives and insights.

New Questions and Proposals:
While all the contributions address core questions about the nature and norms of forgiveness, they also collectively break new ground by raising entirely new questions, offering original proposals and arguments, and making connections to the topics of free will, moral responsibility, collective wrongdoing, apology, religion, and our emotions. Philosophers have explored the ethical implications of forgiveness in various contexts, including interpersonal relationships, political conflicts, and historical injustices. They have proposed innovative solutions to complex forgiveness dilemmas and challenged traditional notions of forgiveness as a one-size-fits-all approach.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the resurgence of philosophical interest in forgiveness is a testament to the enduring significance of this topic in human discourse. The renewed interest in forgiveness is driven by a multitude of factors, including new psychological research, institutional apologies and forgiveness initiatives, and heightened attention to the practices surrounding responsibility, blame, and praise. In this comprehensive volume, esteemed philosophers from around the world present twelve entirely fresh essays on the topic of forgiveness, offering valuable insights and perspectives that contribute to our understanding of this complex and multifaceted phenomenon. As we continue to explore the nature and norms of forgiveness, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of this important subject.

\n Weight: 480g\n
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780190602154\n \n