Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
There is a cognitive, an affective, a conative, and an attitudinal component to a genuine apology. In discussing these components, I address the following questions. Might apologies be due for non-culpable actions? Might apologies be due for choices in moral dilemmas? What is the link between sympathy, remorse and making amends? Is it meaningful for resilient akratics to apologize? How much moral renewal is required when one apologizes? Why should apologies be offered in a humble manner? And is there some truth to P. G. Wodehouse's dictum that ‘the right sort of people do not want apologies’?
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Luc Bovens (2008) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: