Because forgiveness is a moral virtue, it seems that we are obligated in families and societies to offer our forgiving whenever we are treated unjustly by others.  What do you think?

Philosophers make a distinction between obligatory moral virtues and those that are deemed as supererogatory, which are not required in societies.  As an example of an obligatory moral virtue, justice must be observed when driving a car.  If you decide to run a red light while driving your car, you could get a ticket because stopping under this condition is required.  In contrast, the moral virtue of altruism, or giving mercifully to others, is not required.  For example, suppose you are in a hurry to attend an important meeting and you pass by a person without a home who asks for money.  You don’t have your wallet and you have to hurry.  Your not giving the funds will not get you a ticket because the giving is optional in all societies that I know.  Forgiveness is similar.  If you are very angry about an injustice that just happened, you may not be ready to forgive.  You will not get a ticket for this because forgiveness is your choice to offer when you are ready.

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directorifi
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