Self-forgiveness as an Educational Objective

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Jarosław Horowski

Abstract

Forgiving oneself is considered to be one of the most controversial decisions. Not only because this is when we release ourselves from the consequences of our morally wrong choices, but also because it seems to suggest that we give ourselves an implicit consent to perform similar acts in the future. Nevertheless, psychological literature points to positive aspects of self-forgiveness. This study focuses on the moral value of self-forgiveness, and consequently, the legitimacy of including it as one of the objectives in the education process. Firstly, the decision to forgive oneself is compared to acts of self-acquittal, self-justification, and self-pardon. Secondly, an analysis ensues of the act to which the right of self-forgiveness can be applied. Finally, the process of self-forgiveness is discussed along with the conditions it requires.

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References

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