Forgiveness in context

This article compares Enright's cognitive-developmental model of forgivenes s (Enright et al., 1989, 1991, 1992, 1994) with a model of forgiveness base d on communication between the wronged and the wrongdoer. While unilateral forgiveness is unconditional and is a process which happens wholly within t he person who has suffered an injustice, negotiated forgiveness requires of the wrongdoer (1) confession; (2) ownership; and (3) repentance for their actions. Unilateral forgiveness is built upon the principle of identity; in contrast, negotiated forgiveness begins with, and extends Piaget's princip le of ideal reciprocity. Enright's highest stage of forgiveness reasoning i s one in which considerations of social context are transcended; in the mod el of negotiated forgiveness, such understanding of context is central. Whe reas unilateral forgiveness is a wholly intraindividual phenomenon, negotia ted forgiveness is quintessentially, social and dynamic. Using the example of truth and reconciliation commissions, the article examines the implicati ons for the relationship between justice and forgiveness, according to each model.