The aim of this research project is to investigate a factor that has received only little attention in economic research so far: forgiveness. To gain a more nuanced understanding of the role of forgiveness in human cooperation, the researchers will use new variants of the infinitely repeated prisoner’s dilemma. Using experiments in the laboratory, it will be investigated whether subjects are willing to forgive in situations where their co-player actively cheated on them. Another focus will be on the strategic use of forgiveness when long-lasting reputations can be built up.