Definition
Accept the coexistence of different beliefs and lifestyles within the limits of the rights and security of each individual.
Tolerance is a civic minimum, not an indifference, and it allows us to challenge an idea while defending the right of a person to express it, as long as it does not infringe the rights of others.
To be retained
- Distinguish person and opinion
- Protecting freedom of conscience
- Setting rights-based limits
- Moving from tolerance to encounter
Origin of the term and context
The Latin tolerare means "support" or "support". The modern concept developed with debates on religious freedom, then fundamental rights and pluralism.
Why does it matter?
In a pluralistic society, tolerance makes coexistence possible, and it becomes insufficient when groups suffer discrimination or violence: justice and equality require concrete protections.
- Distinguish person and opinion
- Protecting freedom of conscience
- Setting rights-based limits
- Moving from tolerance to encounter
How can it be explored or practised?
- Read an internal presentation and historical study of a tradition
- Questioning a generalization of a group
- Defending the right of others not to believe
- Calmly appoint a discriminatory word
Misconceptions and points of caution
- No behaviour should be tolerated.
- Neutrality must not protect abuse.
- Tolerating is not understanding in depth.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Political philosophy: freedom of conscience and limits of power.
- Interreligious dialogue: mutual knowledge without doctrinal fusion.
- Humanism: rights common to believers and non-believers.
To go further
- Treaty on tolerance — Voltaire, to be contextualised
- Tolerance Letter — John Locke