Jonathan Sumption: Don't Apologise
Jonathan Sumption discusses the concept of inherited guilt, and argues that there are serious moral objections to apologising today for historical events.
Judge and historian Jonathan Sumption discusses modern apologies for historical events.
Starting with Tony Blair's apology for the Irish potato famine and Pope John Paul II's 94 such apologies, he argues that the trend is turning into a tide.
He argues that such apologies rely on a concept of inherited guilt, and asks whether the benefits ever outweigh the serious moral and philosophical objections.
Producer: Giles Edwards.
Last on
Broadcasts
- Wed 4 May 2011 20:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Sun 8 May 2011 05:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
Download this programme
Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.
The Best of Four Thought
Explore some of the best programmes from Radio 4's Four Thought
Change a light bulb, check your emails...
What can you do in 4 minutes? Join us in some intelligent time wasting.
Podcast
-
Four Thought
Series of thought-provoking talks on topics that affect culture and society.