PL 238 - Philosophical Perspectives: Forgiveness and Revenge

(3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: PL 201 . How and when is forgiveness possible and when, if ever, might the spectre of revenge legitimately raise its head? This is arguably the core philosophical question that underlies any political or sociological pursuit of peace negotiations or conflict resolution, of retributive justice and the prison system. There are a wide variety of approaches to this question and many potentially illuminative texts; a pathway is chosen that sets theoretical texts against the contemporary world situation. This course thus examines forgiveness and revenge through analysis of philosophical writing, primarily but not exclusively in the Western tradition. Texts might include works of Plato, Aeschylus, Tolstoy, and Nietzsche, as well as the Bhagavad Gita, Koranic verses, and the Biblical gospel of John. Contemporary documents emerging from organizations such as the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in South Africa or Punto Final in Argentina may also be included. IJP