toleran

Toleran is the quality or policy of allowing beliefs, practices, or identities that differ from one’s own, without endorsement or coercion. It is commonly described as a prerequisite for peaceful coexistence in diverse societies, while also presenting moral and practical questions about where limits should lie.

In philosophy and social science, tolerance is discussed as a normative virtue and a political principle that enables pluralism, freedom of conscience, and civil dialogue. It does not require agreement with or endorsement of every belief, but it does imply treating others with equal moral consideration and protecting their rights under law. The concept is often linked to human rights, democratic governance, and non-discrimination.

In Indonesian and Malay contexts, toleran or toleransi is widely used to express the idea of tolerance. Toleran is the adjective meaning tolerant, and toleransi denotes the broader concept of tolerance. The term appears in education, interfaith initiatives, and public policy to promote respectful cohabitation among people of different backgrounds.

Historically, tolerance is not unbounded. The paradox of tolerance, as discussed by Karl Popper, argues that a tolerant society must sometimes designate and limit intolerant acts to preserve the very tolerance it upholds. This balance is typically framed within democratic norms, constitutional protections, and commitments to human rights.

In everyday use, toleran encompasses a personal disposition toward openness and patience, as well as institutional standards that safeguard diverse communities. Related concepts include intolerance, acceptance, pluralism, and civility.