Introduction

Abstract What is forgiveness, and when should we forgive? Victims are often praised for forgiving, but sometimes to forgive appears to be weak, dangerous, or unjust. To make matters worse, there is enormous disagreement as to what forgiveness is supposed to be. Does forgiveness entail mercy and reconciliation? Is forgiveness compatible with continued punishment? Is forgiveness a moral virtue? This introduction sets out the structure of the book Real Forgiveness chapter by chapter, showing how it will survey philosophical views of forgiveness, provide an underlying explanation of the disagreements, and conclude by setting out a novel and attractive account of forgiveness.