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Toleration and culture of dialogue

Written by José M.ª Barrio Maestre.

This article shows a very frequent confusion concerning the concept of toleration. It is often identified as the due respect for the opinions and behaviour of others, even though they may differ from ours. The author suggests that the authentic mind of toleration is referred to the acceptance of the "lesser evil", but stressing the notion of "lesser" rather than "evil". This attitude is unyielding to the concept of respect, whose aim is something good in itself: the human being, no matter his/her opinions or conduct. Such confusion is lethal for the restoration of a culture of dialogue, so necessary nowadays to solve the current concerns of world-wide violence and multiculturalism. José M.ª Barrio Maestre. Key words: Toleration, Relativism, Truth, Dialogue, Pluralism, Multiculturalism. Buy