Sociology and Philosophy quiz
Kevingao
70WarTerrorismMurphy.docx1. What reasons does Murphy suggest caused many to be skeptical about the process of reconciliation in South Africa, and whether it could or should serve as a model for reconciliation elsewhere?
Following the end of the apartheid period in South Africa, in the aftermath of the military rule, there was a need, of transition to democratic systems. It is clear that the possibility of successful building of democratic institutions depends on the ability of the communities to repair the relationship that had been broken throughout the conflict or during the conflict. It was near impossible for the victims of the torture to envision interacting with the perpetrators of such acts, which in this case were the whites. It was unclear whether truth and justice could be achieved at the same time. The personal reconciliation is important in solving such cases to be the center of the peacemaking agenda. Despite the fact that repression and conflict have been existing in the past decades, it is important to embrace political reconciliation during history transformations.
2. What (2) reasons does she offer for denying that personal reconciliation is the best model for understanding political reconciliation?
First political reconciliation entails promotion of the fundamental characteristics of democratic political relationships. Therefore, it needs to be promoted through public policies.
3. What is the “forgiveness” model of reconciliation? What does Murphy identify as its strengths? Its weaknesses?
Forgiveness is primarily designed to restore or reestablish a relationship affected by wrongdoing. In maintaining the common concept of forgiveness, Murphy argues that resumption of relationships broken by wrongdoing usually requires a moral evaluation of the offender or some other type of morally influenced anger or behaviors like being vengeful. Forgiving might not exclude the punishing of the offender. On the other hand, premature forgiveness can present dangerous consequences to both the victim and the offender and have the negative impact on the entire community.
4. What is the “moral repair” model of reconciliation? How does Murphy think it is superior to the forgiveness model? Why does she assert that it is still inadequate?
Moral repair evaluates the morals and ethics psychology of responses to wrongdoing. It illustrates the emotional bonds as well as the normative expectations that keep mankind responsible towards each other. Murphy believes that it is connected to the rebuilding of the conditions required for a change to be evident. She believes that moral repair is not enough since the denial to acknowledge transformation relies on the political and social aspects of the society.
5. In what respect does Murphy believe the concept of reconciliation as a political value is superior to the model based on moral repair? What are its weaknesses?
Societies that have had serious differences in the past along, ethnic, class and racial as well as religious lines can contain deep personal enmity that stands in a manner of a serious consideration of the other individual as equal in the political community. If in the past wrongs have been committed from official disrespect for individuals, then the representatives of the country, even if not directly involved in the injustices and committed to political change must express their regrets. It is easy to understand political regrets; they require specific public policies, which require the support of the citizens.
6. Describe Murphy’s concept of “reciprocal agency.” How does she think this model overcomes the weaknesses of the others?
It is only fair and acceptable to expect certain codes of conducts from others if only an individual is willing to fulfill the reciprocal expectations of one. Trusting another person as a default presumes others that which we would like them to presume of us, like general decency, lack of ill will as well as our competence. The adoption of trust as a default would be in a position to effectively offer equal treatment. The leadership must, therefore, be in a position to adhere to the rule of law to make it possible to experience acts of law.
