The Process of Forgiveness
Webcast Q&A: Sunday, 5 June 2011, Question 1
I answered a question on the process of forgiveness on Philosophy in Action Radio on 5 June 2011. You can listen to or download the podcast segment below – or check out the whole episode.
What is the proper process of forgiveness? In your March 6th episode, you spoke about forgiveness from the perspective of the person wronged. However, imagine that you're the person who has done wrong to someone else, thereby harming him. What should you do now? How can you prove to that person that you're not as bad as you seemed at that time? What should you do if the other person isn't willing to hear you out?
My Answer, In Brief: Although errors and wrongs differ in significant ways – ranging from honest ignorance to willful evasion – the basic process is always (1) identify what happened, (2) make amends as necessary, and (3) ensure no repetition, if possible.
Tags: Ethics, Forgiveness, Judgment, Justice, Moral Wrongs
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- Duration: 21:03
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About Philosophy in Action Radio
I'm Dr. Diana Hsieh. I'm a philosopher specializing the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. I received my Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2009. My first book, Responsibility & Luck: A Defense of Praise and Blame, is available for purchase in paperback, as well as for Kindle and Nook. The book defends the justice of moral praise and blame of persons using an Aristotelian theory of moral responsibility, thereby refuting Thomas Nagel's "problem of moral luck."
My radio show, Philosophy in Action Radio, broadcasts live over the internet on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. On Sunday mornings, I answer four meaty questions applying rational principles to the challenges of real life in a live hour-long show. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers co-hosts the show. On Wednesday evenings, I interview an expert guest about a topic of practical importance.
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