Research
Can we forgive Andrea Yates?
Author:
Tara Weese
West Virginia University, US
Abstract
A common assumption in the philosophical literature on forgiveness is that one can only forgive culpable moral agents. In this paper, I will argue against this assumption. Using the notorious case of Andrea Yates, I will show one can forgive non-culpable wrongdoers. I will argue that forgiveness involves letting go of negative reactive attitudes and those attitudes arise in a wide variety of cases including accidental wrongdoing and wrongs committed by those who are mentally incompetent or insane. Responding to such wrongdoings with forgiveness is not only possible, but also often advisable.
How to Cite:
Weese, T., 2016. Can we forgive Andrea Yates?. International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, 8(2), pp.10 (90–100). DOI: http://doi.org/10.7710/2155-4838.1150
Published on
24 Jun 2016.
Peer Reviewed
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