Can you forgive someone yet seek justice against them at the same time?

[Whateverist]

I was just wandering. Can you say(and actually do) that you have forgiven someone but then go to the police or other authority and make a complaint against them for something that they have done to you or someone else.

I would say that the only way you can achieve that is if you do it for the reasons of helping them and you. If you do it purely out if revenge then you have not forgiven. Then you are just trying to hurt in return. By helping others, I would say is helping your self, also you might free yourself from some sort of injustice that's ongoing.

Thoughts?

Thanks

If you've been raped and were some sort of buddha of forgiveness, if you can tell the police the identity of your attacker you might still get the guy off the street and prevent someone else suffering what you went through. If you forgive the rapist in advance for his next victim then you really are not a good member of the community.

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Perhaps, I think there is a practical side of justice which seeks to serve the good of the community. What would you say justice was?

[Perhaps]

I'd say justice is the subjective attempt at objective treatment.

I think, by this definition, it is possible to forgive someone while they experience justice. To forgive is to subjectively accept an action which did harm. I can forgive someone for killing someone whom I love, while observing them experiencing justice for their actions. I think the problem comes in when we assert personal justice, which is never really justice, merely our projected morality upon the situation. This, I would argue, is not possible, simply by contradiction of definition.

It's quite interesting to observe when personal justice takes place, the golden rule seems to be revoked and revenge seems to surge. Emotions are a beautifully dangerous thing, I'm glad our legal system isn't based upon them.

[KichigaiNeko]

I can forgive someone for killing someone whom I love, while observing them experiencing justice for their actions.

That is called revenge.

[Justtristo]

My answer is no, because you cannot forgive somebody and take revenge against them at the same time.

Although I do believe the reason why religious like Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism stress on forgiveness so much, is because their tenets talk about "ultimate" justice either at the last judgement by god (by Christians) and Karma for the latter religions.

However I do consider forgiveness a virtue to an extent, because we cannot go about seeking revenge for every wrong which has been done to us. Also not every wrong done against us was inflicted in a way which intent was to wrong us.

[Whateverist]

I do consider forgiveness a virtue to an extent, because we cannot go about seeking revenge for every wrong which has been done to us. Also not every wrong done against us was inflicted in a way which intent was to wrong us.

I mostly look to understand "virture" as self interest. So I would say forgiveness is in my best interest because I do not want to carry around resentment, especially for petty wounds to my pride. If there is an objective injury to our persons or property, let the law take care of it. If it is only a transgression of manners which injures us subjectively, then you'll have to do whatever it takes to get over it: eye for an eye, forgive and forget, whatever. So long as you don't wind up inflicting an objective injury on the other party which puts you at odds with the law, fine. The main thing is to restore your peace of mind. Life is too short to spend it grumbling over that sort of thing.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Is it possible? Of course. Do I do it? Not that I can remember. Well, not at the same time. I never forget a kindness and am slow to forgive a deep hurt,but usually do eventually.

[Perhaps]

I can forgive someone for killing someone whom I love, while observing them experiencing justice for their actions.

That is called revenge.

Only when referring to personal justice. Justice in a general sense is enforced by a third party usually societal. I am able to personally forgive while allowing societal justice to take place.

You are correct that in a personal situation it would be revenge if I was the one enacting justice upon someone whom I've forgiven.

[downbeatplumb]

In a related note.

Someone has just crashed into my car.

I forgive him, but I'll still get the money to pay for the damage off him.

[KichigaiNeko]

In a related note.

Someone has just crashed into my car.

I forgive him, but I'll still get the money to pay for the damage off him.

Oh my DBP!! you ok??

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I can forgive someone for killing someone whom I love, while observing them experiencing justice for their actions.

That is called revenge.

Only when referring to personal justice. Justice in a general sense is enforced by a third party usually societal. I am able to personally forgive while allowing societal justice to take place.

You are correct that in a personal situation it would be revenge if I was the one enacting justice upon someone whom I've forgiven.

Hmmm Societal or personal...I am leaning toward the 'revenge' tag.

[downbeatplumb]

[quote='downbeatplumb' pid='229051' dateline='1326741909']
In a related note.

Someone has just crashed into my car.

I forgive him, but I'll still get the money to pay for the damage off him.

Oh my DBP!! you ok??

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I'm fine, I wasnt in the car at the time.
Poor thing was hit when it was parked on the road.
What i wouldnt give for of road parking!
Its got a nasty scratch down the left hand side which will apparently cost £175 +Vat to fix.hock: