Forgiveness and the Unforgivable: Religion, Literature

Forgiveness and the Unforgivable: Religion, Literature, Philosophy

What constitutes an apology? Are certain kinds of acts unforgivable—and, if so, why? Who, indeed, has the power to forgive? In this course, we’ll set these questions in historical context, beginning with Bishop Joseph Butler’s eighteenth-century sermons, then exploring discussions of resentment in Nietzsche and guilt in Dostoyevski, before turning to post-Holocaust literature on the unforgivable by Jean Améry, Vladimir Jankélévitch and others. 

In reading these texts, we will explore some of the following questions: What is forgiveness? Are there unforgivable acts and, if so, what? Is forgiveness an act of the body or an act of the will? Is forgiveness strictly an individualistic act, or can it be bestowed collectively as well? Could ritualistically deciding never to forgive give similar solace as forgiving? Finally, are post-Holocaust thinkers like Jean Améry correct that the refusal to forgive can be its own ethical stance, rather than a failure to attain the virtue of forgiveness?

There *is* no physical Brooklyn Institute. We hold our classes all over (thus far) Brooklyn and Manhattan, in alternative spaces ranging from the back rooms of bars to bookstores to spaces in cultural centers, including the Center for Jewish History, the Goethe-Institut, and the Barnard Center for Research on Women. We can (and do) turn any space into a classroom. You will be notified of the exact location when you register for a class.

Instructors will contact students approximately one week prior to the first class with reading assignments and details about the course location.