On Tolerance: A Defence of Moral Independence

by Frank Furedi

Outwardly, we live in an era that appears more open-minded, non-judgemental and tolerant than in any time in human history. The very term intolerant invokes moral condemnation. We are constantly reminded to understand the importance of respecting different cultures and diversities. In this pugnacious new book, Frank Furedi argues that despite the democratisation of public life and the expansion of freedom, society is dominated by a culture that not only tolerates but often encourages intolerance. Often the intolerance is directed at people who refuse to accept the conventional wisdom and who are stigmatised as 'deniers'. Frequently intolerance comes into its own in clashes over cultural values and lifestyles. People are condemned for the food they eat, how they parent and for wearing religious symbols in public.

This book challenges the 'quiet mood of tolerance' towards morally stigmatised forms of behaviour. The author examines recent forms of 'unacceptable behaviour'. It will tease out the real motives and drivers of intolerance.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, Nonfiction, Psychology, Cultural

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 11, 2011

About the author

Frank Furedi is a professor of sociology at the University of Kent, UK.

Reviews

[Lehiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got wind of this from the author's excellent column in the online publication Spiked. It's an interesting and well-thought out look at the history of tolerance as John Stuart Mill and Voltaire understood the concept, and how tolerance has fallen on hard times in today's risk aversion obsessed society. The section on modern 'heresies' was particularly excellent, and the 204 page length ensures that it doesn't outstay its welcome. Perhaps a little dry and academical, but a fine examination on a fascinating subject. Now where did I put Mill's 'On Liberty'...?

[Jorgon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brave and important book, perhaps one of the best to tackle the subject since Mill's "On Liberty". Furedi gives us a brief history of tolerance in the Western thought, and its changing meaning, reminding us constantly that "tolerance" does not mean "uncritical acceptance", or--as it is too often applied today--"polite disinterest". Despite my slight misgivings at his seeming dismissal of scientific knowledge as a potentially important tool to formulate public policy, I still wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in human rights, liberty and the future of democratic societies.

[Ouistiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4 Stars 🌟 for me. What I liked the most about the book is the author argued that we can't know the truth, therefore we should be tolerant to how others behave and see the world.🌍
One of the best quotes of the book : «Tolerance is a virtue because it takes human beings very seriously, recognizing that without the freedom to err people can never acquire the freedom to discover truths.»