Apologies: Do Them Meaningfully and Gracefully Accept Them

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published November 28, 2007 at 9:02 AM PST

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

Apologies are something we hear every day, from co-workers and family members to politicians and celebrities. Do people apologize because they are caught or because they mean it? We speak to an ethici

(Originally aired Aug. 6, 2007.)

Maureen Cavanaugh (Guest Host): Today we're going to take a look into apologies. “I'm sorry” are two words we hear nearly every day. It could come from friends or family members. We've definitely heard it from politicians. And now, more than ever, we're hearing it from celebrities.

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Then there are times when those two words are coming out of your own mouth. But do we mean it when we say "I'm sorry"? Do people apologize because they are caught or because they mean it? Do we apologize just to make ourselves feel better or because we truly feel remorse?

Guests

Dr. Bruce Weinstein , ethicist and www.BusinessWeek.com columnist.

Dr. Brian Spitzberg , communication professor at San Diego State University.