Contemporary Pluralism and Toleration |
| |
Authors: | Anna Elisabetta Galeotti |
| |
Affiliation: | University of Turin, Faculty of Humanities, Palazzo Tartara, Via G. Ferraris, 109, 13100 Vercelli, Italy |
| |
Abstract: | The author outlines a conception of toleration as recognition of differences which she argues to be more adequate than current liberal views in order to face issues arising from contemporary pluralism. The liberal conception of toleration as freedom from government's interference in certain areas is appropriate if pluralism is conceived of as a plurality of conflicting conceptions of the good. By contrast, if pluralism is understood as the plurality of groups and cultures, asymmetrically situated in democratic society, then the issues underlying toleration are seen as the contested claim of minorities for asserting their different identity in the public space. Public toleration of differences is thus viewed as a symbolic public gesture of inclusion of the different identities and their bearers into democratic citizenship on an equal footing as members of minority groups. The argument supporting public toleration is so founded on reason of justice. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|