Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Law: Forgiveness and Mercy

This book focuses on the degree to which certain moral and legal doctrines are rooted in specific passions that are then institutionalised in the form of criminal law. A philosophical analysis is developed of the following questions: when, if ever, should hatred be overcome by sympathy or compassion? What are forgiveness and mercy and to what degree do they require - both conceptually and morally - the overcoming of certain passions and the motivation by other passions? If forgiveness and mercy indeed are moral virtues, what role, if any, should they play in the law?

Preface and acknowledgements Jeffrie Murphy and Jean Hampton; Part I. Introduction: 1. The retributive emotions Jeffrie Murphy; Part II. Forgiveness and Christianity Jean Hampton: 2. Forgiveness and resentment Jeffrie Murphy; 3. Forgiveness, resentment and hatred Jean Hampton; 4. Hatred: a qualified defence Jeffrie Murphy; 5. The retributive idea Jean Hampton; 6. Mercy and legal justice Jeffrie Murphy; Index.