Allais, Lucy (2008) Forgiveness and mercy. South African Journal of Philosophy, 27 (1). pp. 1-9. ISSN 0258 0136

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of History, Art History and Philosophy > Philosophy
Depositing User:	Lucy Allais
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2012 19:33
Last Modified:	04 Jul 2012 13:33
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/21253

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