What is Forgiveness?

The paper attempts to shed light on the nature of forgiveness by distinguishing its necessary features from its contingent ones. I argue that overcoming resentment toward the wrongdoer by coming to view oneself more favourably lies at the core of forgiveness. I show that empathy or love toward the wrongdoer play a mere contingent role. Moreover, I claim that moral hatred of the wrongdoer and a refusal to be reconciled with him are compatible with forgiving him.