Tolerancí

Tolerancí is a concept denoting the capacity to endure or permit beliefs, identities, or practices that differ from one’s own, without coercion. It involves forbearance and restraint in public life and is often associated with the idea of peaceful coexistence in diverse societies. Tolerancí does not require agreement or endorsement; it means individuals and institutions allow others to express opinions and live according to their own convictions within established laws.

The scope of tolerancí spans religious, cultural, political, and moral domains. It supports freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression while recognizing that rights may be limited to prevent harm, discrimination, or incitement to violence.

Historically, tolerancí has been debated from ancient times through the Enlightenment and into contemporary human rights regimes. Philosophers and political thinkers, including Voltaire, John Stuart Mill, and Karl Popper, examined its justification and limits; Popper highlighted the paradox of tolerance—the idea that a tolerant society may need to be intolerant of intolerance to survive.

Limits and controversies: tolerant societies must balance openness with protections for minorities and public safety. Legal frameworks often regulate hate speech, discrimination, and violent extremism, seeking to preserve both liberty and equality.

Practice and measurement: fostering tolerancí involves education, dialogue across differences, inclusive institutions, and robust anti-discrimination laws. Attitudes toward tolerance are measured through surveys, policy outcomes, and evaluations of social cohesion.