Evil, Political Violence, and Forgiveness

Until recently, philosophers have discussed evil primarily in theodicial contexts in pondering why a perfect God does not abolish evil. Evil, Political Violence, and Forgiveness: Essays in Honor of Claudia Card reflects a burgeoning interest among philosophers in a broader array of ethical and political questions concerning evils. Written in tribute to Claudia Card—whose distinguished academic career has culminated in the development of a new theory of evil—this collection of new essays explores the concept of evil, the multifaceted harms of brutal political violence, and the appropriateness of forgiveness as an ethical response to evils.

Evil, Political Violence, and Forgiveness brings together an international cohort of distinguished philosophers who mediate with Card upon an array of twentieth-century atrocities and on the nature of evil actions, persons, and institutions. Contributors explore questions such as "What distinguishes evil from lesser wrongdoing?" "Is culpable wrongdoing a necessary component of evil?" "How are we to understand atrocious political violence?" "What are the best moral and political responses to atrocities?" "Are there moral obligations to forgive contrite perpetrators of evils?" and "Can anyone claim moral innocence amid a climate of evildoing?"