ABSTRACT
Although philosophers have argued the differential merits of justice and mercy for centuries, psychological researchers have emphasized justice. Forgiveness as a specific application of mercy is described in this chapter. The focus is on the one who forgives, not on the one seeking forgiveness. Forgiveness is defined here as a forswearing of negative affect and judgment, by viewing the wrongdoer with compassion and love, in the face of a wrongdoer’s considerable injustice.
The concept of forgiveness is traced from its theological origins to modern-day philosophies. Two psychological models of forgiveness are then described: a social cognitive developmental and a social processing model. It is claimed that forgiveness can be an effective problem-solving strategy in releasing one’s own anger and joining again in community with the other person.
