Forgiveness: A Philosophical Exploration

by Charles L. Griswold Jr.

Nearly everyone has wronged another. Who among us has not longed to be forgiven? Nearly everyone has suffered the bitter injustice of wrongdoing. 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.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

270 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Before coming to Boston University in 1991, Charles Griswold taught at Howard University. He has held visiting appointments at the Université de Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (2004) and Yale University (1996, as Olmsted Visiting Professor). His teaching and research address various themes, figures, and historical periods.

Reviews

[Jana Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in 2008 for a class and was excited to reread it on my own, especially as a follow-up to "I Was Wrong: the Meanings of Apologies" by Nick Smith. It was a very interesting secular exploration of forgiveness as a virtue and how we can assimilate what Griswold calls paradigmatic forgiveness as well as non-paradigmatic forgiveness into relationships, into greater society and political bodies, and why it is beneficial to do so. I was not as convinced by his defense of the concept or practice of political forgiveness (though he admitted that political forgiveness is inherently non-paradigmatic and most likely falls into the realm of apology rather than asking forgiveness), but overall I gained a lot from a purely secular exploration of interpersonal forgiveness as I have only ever approached it from my religious perspective. Turns out, forgiveness is relevant and beneficial in a non-religious context. CRAZY TALK.

First finished: November 2008

[Sri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Till reading this book,I always thought forgiveness was essentially a religious or a quasi-religious phenomenon!The philosophical exploration here has given me totally new insight.

Griswold scores heavily over all other moral philosophers of his time!

[Matthew O'Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for studying what an apology is, both privately and publicly. Don’t read if you’re not ready to face your own demons and go through a roller coaster of emotions as you progress. Some parts are dense, and perhaps unnecessarily repetitive, but otherwise a great dive into the philosophy of forgiveness.

[Paul Parkinson]

A lot of heavy stuff, but I finally found what I've been looking for. The issue of forgiveness for the unrepentant (can't be done). He explained what really happens.

[Mary Karpel-Jergic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit heavy going in places (as you'd expect in a well argued philosophy book) but a superb analysis of what forgiveness might mean from a secular point of view. "A moment's reflection reveals that forgiveness is a surprisingly complex and elusive notion". He suggests that there are conditions that need to be met by both the wrong-doer and the injured in order for the on-going process of forgiveness to occur. Great for interpersonal forgiveness but I wasn't so keen on his ideas in a political context.

The backdrop to his entire discussion is our "inextinguishable aspiration for reconciliation in the face of an irredeemingly imperfect world"

[Meriem · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very good book. I liked the simple way the author explains his ideas even though I am not a philosopher.
He addressed the subject of forgiveness (from two dimensions: interpersonal and political) in a very organized manner. Issues and conclusions are discussed fairly and completely.
Well, I do recommend it to whoever loves philosophy, or who is studying forgiveness and moral concepts in any field.
Enjoy :)

[Bruce Ingram]

A philosophical, non theological in depth understanding of the conditions by the offender and the offended for true forgiveness and reconciliation to take place.

[Gianetta]

Still exploring this idea of forgiveness myself. Maybe this book will help me really "feel" what forgiveness is...