This event took place on 26th September 2007 at 4:00pm (15:00 GMT)
Berrill Lecture Theatre, The Open University, Walton Hall Campus, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Recent and less recent history alike show that forgiveness is a universal human value. Professor Chappell will look briefly at some recent research applying game theory to evolution that helps us to explain "from an external perspective" why this might be so. Can we also explain why forgiveness is a value, and what that value involves, "from an internal perspective"? The first obstacle to such an explanation is the notorious problem of free will and responsibility, which will be briefly considered. He will then consider a paradox about forgiveness and justice: where justice demands punishment, mustnÃt forgiveness be unjust? He will resolve this paradox by explaining the purpose of punishment. This is the vindication of the victim and of the moral order. Sometimes this vindication can be achieved via forgiveness instead of (or as well as) via punishment; in those cases, forgiveness is at least permitted and sometimes required by justice.
Recent and less recent history alike show that forgiveness is a universal human value. Professor Chappell will look briefly at some recent research applying game theory to evolution that helps us to explain "from an external perspective" why this might be so. Can we also explain why forgiveness is a value, and what that value involves, "from an internal perspective"? The first obstacle to such an explanation is the notorious problem of free will and responsibility, which will be briefly considered. He will then consider a paradox about forgiveness and justice: where justice demands punishment, mustnÃt forgiveness be unjust? He will resolve this paradox by explaining the purpose of punishment. This is the vindication of the victim and of the moral order. Sometimes this vindication can be achieved via forgiveness instead of (or as well as) via punishment; in those cases, forgiveness is at least permitted and sometimes required by justice.
Click below to play the event (60 minutes)
