ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to explore features of the distinction by considering a group of related concepts: resenting, forgiving, punishing, and pardoning. It deals with the concepts of resenting and forgiving, for, despite differences between them, there are important similarities in their logic which contrast with similarities in the logic of the second pair of concepts. Traditionally two very general sorts of justification have been offered for the practice of punishment: retributivist and utilitarian. According to the theory of retribution, punishment is justified in so far as it is a morally fitting response to the violation of a law. Punishment in particular has traditionally provided a problem of justification. The argument of this chapter was to the effect that elements from the retributive theory must be combined with elements from the deterrent and reform versions of utilitarianism to cover the range of cases to which the law applies.
