Tolerance in Conflict

This book is a major work by Reiner Forst, winner of the Leibniz Prize, and a milestone in his academic career. The concept of tolerance plays a central role in a pluralistic society because it demonstrates an attitude that allows for the existence of confrontation between various beliefs and practices, while also easing this confrontation. The critical perspective on the history and current situation of the concept of tolerance makes it clear that this concept has always been a highly controversial one in its connotation and in its evaluation, and is itself in conflict. For some, despite sharp disagreements, the concept of tolerance has been and still is an expression of mutual respect, while for others, it is a condescending and potentially oppressive attitude and practice. In order to analyze this conflict, Reiner Forst reconstructs the philosophical and political discussions on tolerance since classical times in this book. He shows the diversity of ways to found tolerance and the practice of tolerance from the Stoics to the present, and develops a systematic theory with a rich historical information volume, which will be verified in the current conflicts over tolerance.