Professor Daniel R. Esparza, of the Observatori Blanquerna, has recently published a new book with DeGruyter in Berlin entitled Forgiving Philosophy. In this work, Esparza delves into the concept of forgiveness and explores it as a philosophical subject in its own right. The book addresses the conspicuous absence of forgiveness in much of Western philosophical discourse and offers a critical perspective on the topic.
Esparza examines the writings of Augustine, Kierkegaard, and Arendt, each of whom approached forgiveness as a paradox. Augustine saw it as something that must be contained in order to be given; Kierkegaard saw it as given-but-not-granted; and Arendt suggested that forgiveness should be forgotten the moment it is given, as if it had never happened.
Building on these readings, Esparza then asks if forgiveness be understood as a hidden existential capacity rather than a grand gesture of mercy? Is it possible to imagine forgiveness as an act that not only addresses a visible transgression, but also grapples with the (seemingly) impossible task of undoing what has already been done?
Forgiving Philosophy is now available from the DeGruyter website, Amazon Germany, and Amazon US.