Citation

McCoy MG, Shackelford TK. Behav. Brain Sci. 2013; 36(1): 28-29.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA. mgmccoy@oakland.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S0140525X12000544

PMID

23211190

Abstract

McCullough et al. propose adaptations that motivate forgiveness when the potential benefits of continuing the relationship outweigh the costs incurred by the transgression. The costs incurred are definite, whereas future benefits of forgiveness are only probabilistic. This situation exposes the forgiver to cheating in the form of repeat transgression. Adaptations motivating genuine forgiveness are therefore unlikely to evolve.

Language: en