Getting Even: Forgiveness and Its Limits / Edition 1

by Jeffrie G. Murphy

Overview

In this short and accessible book, distinguished philosopher and law professor Jeffrie Murphy proposes that vindictive emotions (anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge) actually deserve a more legitimate place in our emotional, social, and legal lives than we currently recognize, while forgiveness deserves to be more selectively granted. Murphy grounds his views on careful analysis of the nature of forgiveness, a subtle understanding of the psychology of anger and resentment, and a fine appreciation of the ethical issues of self-respect and self-defense. He also uses accessible examples from law, literature, and religion to make his points. Providing a nuanced approach to a proper understanding of the place of our strongest emotions in moral, political, and personal life, and using lucid, easily understood prose, this volume is a classic example of philosophical thinking applied to a thorny, everyday problem.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195178555
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/09/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	154
Product dimensions:	5.68(w) x 8.18(h) x 0.47(d)
Lexile:	1410L (what's this?)

About the Author

Jeffrie G. Murphy is Regents Professor of Law and Philosophy and Affiliated Professor of Religious Studies at Arizona State University. He is the author of numerous books and articles on legal and moral philosophy, with a particular emphasis on theories of punishment, mercy, forgiveness, and the moral emotions.

Table of Contents

	Introduction: Responding to Evil	3
1	What Is Forgiveness?	9
2	Two Cheers for Vindictiveness	17
3	Vindictiveness and the Law	27
4	Forgiveness as a Virtue	33
5	Repentance, Punishment, and Mercy	39
6	Self-Forgiveness	57
7	Forgiveness in Psychotheraphy	73
8	Forgiveness and Christianity	87
9	Christianity and Criminal Punishment	95
	Concluding Remarks	115
	Further Reading	119
	Index	125

Editorial Reviews

"Getting Even is probably the best book to date on the costs and benefits of forgiveness."First Things - the Journal of Religion and Public Life

From the Publisher