The Apology Paradox

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3125815
AutoresJanna Thompson (0000-0002-8174-249X, La Trobe University, autor correspondente)
Ano2000
Volume50
Fascículo201
Páginas470-475
Data de publicação2000-10-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoThe Philosophical Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0031-8094 • E-ISSN: 1467-9213
EditoraOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1111/1467-9213.00200
OpenAlexW2072692488
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas9
Referências citadas1

Some leaders and citizens think it appropriate to apologize for historical injustices like slavery or the dispossession of indigenous people. But can we sincerely say ‘Sorry’ for the deeds of our forebears? By making an apology we are expressing regrets for what they did: we are saying that we prefer that these deeds had not been done. However, if these deeds had not been done, history would have been different, and probably we would not exist. Since most of us are glad to be alive, it seems that our apologies must be insincere. I discuss a number of proposed solutions to this paradox

Indigenous · Political science · Sociology · Forgiveness and Related Behaviors · History · Law · Military, Security, and Education Studies · Philosophy