Philosophy in the Community: What is Forgiveness?

This community lecture and discussion series is organized by the Department of Philosophy to share the rewards and pleasures of philosophical reflection.

Friday, Sept. 14
7–9 pm
The Refinery, Emmanuel Anglican Church Basement
609 Dufferin Ave.

Info: emer.ohagan@usask.ca| usask.ca/philosophy/community

What is Forgiveness?
by Prof. Emer O’Hagan (Department of Philosophy)

Although we forgive each other, and ourselves, on a regular basis, it can be difficult to explain exactly what forgiveness is. In forgiving we acknowledge but “move past” a misdeed, we “let it go” or “wipe the slate clean.” Philosophers have noted that forgiveness differs from other ways we can move past a misdeed: by simply forgetting it, or excusing it (e.g. “it wasn’t actually his fault”), or justifying it (e.g. “it wasn’t actually wrong”). So what does forgiveness amount to? In this talk, I will present some of the key philosophical concerns regarding what forgiveness is, raise some objections, and then open things up for discussion.

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