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Forgiveness and mercy

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 23:22 authored by Lucy Allais
This paper argues that forgiveness is not best understood in terms of waiving a requirement of justice, and, specifically, that forgiveness is distinct from mercy. I question some reasons philosophers have given for distinguishing forgiveness and mercy, but argue that the difference between the two notions can be clearly shown by considering the standard grounds for which they are granted. I argue that while mercy involves leniency in the infliction of punishment that is due in accordance with justice, forgiveness primarily concerns the victim\'s feelings and attitudes towards the wrongdoer as a person.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

South African Journal of Philosophy

ISSN

0258 0136

Publisher

Philosophical Society of Southern Africa

Issue

1

Volume

27

Page range

1-9

Pages

9.0

Department affiliated with

  • Philosophy Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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