Philosophy Bites

Robert Rowland Smith on Derrida on Forgiveness

Jun 22, 2008
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INSIGHT

Forgiveness Paradox Explained

  • Derrida shows forgiveness is both necessary and impossible because only the unforgivable truly demands forgiveness.
  • Forgiveness involves a paradox: forgiving what cannot be forgiven, revealing its ethical depth.
INSIGHT

Forgiveness’s Dual Nature

  • True forgiveness evokes both the possibility of forgiveness and an underlying horizon of unforgivability.
  • Forgiveness isn't a spectrum but a simultaneous convocation of these contradictory conditions.
INSIGHT

Unconditional Forgiveness Critique

  • Christian forgiveness typically includes an implicit condition of repentance or reform.
  • Derrida argues true forgiveness is unconditional, forgiving even repeated unforgivable acts.
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