We all agree that tolerance is a 'good thing' in a liberal and open society---don't we? Yes---but there is often confusion about its basic meaning. So the first thing we need to get straight is what the word means, what it doesn't mean and then should discuss some real life scenarios where we can test the limits of our tolerance.

What tolerance is

When we tolerate a behaviour, a practice, a belief, an attitude or an institution we are asserting that the thing we tolerate is objectionable in some way. We are in effect saying that we dislike it and, all things being equal, we should prefer that it just disappeared from our lives. It would be absurd to say that we positively like something, generally approve of it or just don't care about it, but are tolerating it all the same. If we tolerate something then we just don't like it. That's not the same as saying we think it's bad or evil. We may think that too, but whether it's morally bad or not, the fact is that we dislike it.

What tolerance is not

This is where the confusion arises over tolerance, and some real argument---hopefully!. See if you agree.

1. tolerance is not the same as indifference, not caring.

2. tolerance is not just civility, good manners, and respect, even though all of these may be good in themselves.

3. Tolerating different cultural practices does not mean having to approve of them let alone appreciate them.

4. tolerance does to entail moral relativism, ie, believing that everyone's morality is as good as everyone else's.

5. tolerance does not involve an insoluble paradox, ie, tolerating intolerant people leading inevitably to the intolerant dominating society.

Read some more HERE