Let’s Talk About Tolerance
BTW: Do We Actually Agree on What Tolerance is?
Philosophy understands tolerance as a complex and multifaceted virtue that has taken on different meanings and conceptions throughout history. A central aspect of tolerance that deserves special attention is its relevance in situations of dissent and rejection.
Tolerance as a Practice of Acceptance Despite Rejection
Tolerance comes into play especially when confronted with views, lifestyles, or beliefs that one does not share or even strictly rejects. It is important to emphasize that tolerance does not mean approval or indifference, but rather the conscious decision to respect the right of others to their beliefs or way of life, even if one personally considers them wrong or undesirable. This attitude often requires considerable moral and intellectual effort.
Limits of Tolerance
At the same time, it is essential to discuss the limits of tolerance. Tolerance cannot and should not be boundless. Particularly in cases of violence or serious violations of human rights, tolerance reaches its limits. This boundary-setting is necessary to protect the fundamental values of a society and the rights of its members.
The “Paradox of Tolerance” formulated by Karl Popper illuminates this aspect: Unlimited tolerance can lead to the disappearance of tolerance if it is also practiced towards intolerant forces. Therefore, a tolerant society must have the right, and sometimes even the duty, not to tolerate intolerance when it threatens the foundations of peaceful coexistence.
Philosophical Main Representatives
Influential philosophers have dealt intensively with the concept of tolerance:
John Locke argued for religious tolerance in his “Letter Concerning Toleration” (1689), but also emphasized its limits. Voltaire, known for his quote
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,”
made tolerance a key concept of the Enlightenment. John Stuart Mill defended freedom of speech in “On Liberty” (1859) and argued that even false opinions can be valuable for society. Jürgen Habermas developed the concept of “discourse free from domination” as a basis for tolerance in pluralistic societies.
Tolerance and Relativism
The practice of tolerance raises the question of whether it leads to moral relativism. It is important to emphasize that tolerance does not mean accepting all viewpoints as equally valid. Rather, it is about acknowledging the existence of different perspectives without giving up one’s own moral convictions.
Tolerance and Identity
In multicultural societies, tolerance is closely related to questions of personal and cultural identity. The challenge is to find a balance between preserving one’s own identity and being open to other cultures and ways of life.
Tolerance and Power
The exercise of tolerance is often closely linked to power relations. Those in positions of power have greater opportunities to practice or deny tolerance. It is important to reflect on these power dynamics and to understand tolerance not as an act of grace by the powerful, but as a fundamental right of all people.
Active vs. Passive Tolerance
A distinction can be made between active and passive tolerance. Passive tolerance is limited to mere endurance, while active tolerance involves a commitment to the rights and freedoms of others. In a pluralistic society, active tolerance is often necessary to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Tolerance and Education
Education plays a key role in promoting tolerance. Critical thinking and intercultural competence can help to break down prejudices while sharpening the ability to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable ideas or practices.
Tolerance in the Digital Era
The digital era poses new challenges for the practice of tolerance. Social media can, on the one hand, promote exchange between different groups, but on the other hand, can also lead to the formation of “echo chambers” that reinforce intolerance.
Tolerance and Human Rights
Finally, tolerance is closely related to the idea of universal human rights. While tolerance emphasizes the acceptance of differences, human rights set universal standards. The challenge is to respect cultural diversity without compromising fundamental human rights.
