2007-11-20 05:39:42 · 9 answers · asked by ★Greed★ 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Someone who is in a position to show mercy is pretty much by definition strong. And vice versa, someone who is in a position to receive it is pretty much by definition weak. In a real sense, then, mercy can only be FROM the strong TO the weak.
It is easy to imagine how a show of mercy might be prompted by immense strength (you are no threat to me and never will be) or prompted by immense weakness (if I am not nice to you now, you will destroy me when my temporary advantage disappears). And since either is plausible, it would seem odd to suggest that any show MUST indicate one condition or the other.
One thing we CAN say about mercy, though, is that it is unjust. Mercy is all about kindness and leniency - getting exactly what you deserve (a.k.a. justice) has nothing to do with either. As an injustice, the wronged party again can only be the strong.
As a lover of justice I find it hard to criticize those who choose not to be merciful. Even so, I recognize sometimes there are things that are even more important than justice, so I respect those who knowingly make this compromise as well. Peace.
2007-11-20 06:04:50 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Why 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Mercy is something that can only be given, inherently, by the strong. The weak are rarely in a position to be merciful, and when they do find themselves in a position of power, they usually can't afford to be merciful.
Only the strong can afford to be merciful.
2007-11-20 13:54:01 · answer #2 · answered by CST 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mercy is for the evil. Any act of mercy granted to a criminal is automatically unjust to his victims.
Do not confuse mercy (undeserved forgiveness) with compassion.
2007-11-20 23:11:11 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Wizard 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be for strong
could be for weak...
most people want mercy for themselves
and justice for everyone else.
2007-11-20 15:30:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercy is attractive attire for the soul.
2007-11-20 15:43:42 · answer #5 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that Mercy is one of the greatest qualities human kind posesses.
2007-11-20 20:52:39 · answer #6 · answered by Alma K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think is for the weak; it is for the people that have compassion and pity for the others.
2007-11-20 14:49:38 · answer #7 · answered by Dark Silence 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its all in a matter of perspective...thats all i can say really.
2007-11-20 14:11:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes I do...but it can also be for the disadvantaged
2007-11-20 14:12:40 · answer #9 · answered by The Evolution of T. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋