Failures of Forgiveness

Cherry is doing genuine philosophical work here, not just repackaging common wisdom — her argument that coercing forgiveness can harm victims and protect wrongdoers is carefully built and well-supported, and bringing racial justice into the conversation expands what is usually a private, personal discussion. The writing is clear and engaging for a Princeton philosophy book. Readers from traditions with strong unconditional-forgiveness commitments will find it challenging, but that is the point — it is worth wrestling with.