The Limits of Tolerance: Enlightenment Values and Religious Fanaticism

The modern concept of tolerance, which emerged in the Enlightenment, is being challenged by fanaticism and terrorism. In this book, Denis Lacorne argues that we should impose limits on freedom of expression in the name of human dignity and decency, accept religious symbols in the public square, and tolerate the intolerant. He defends the Enlightenment concept against recent attempts to circumscribe it, arguing that without it, a pluralistic society cannot survive.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The modern concept of tolerance, which embraces diversity as a force for the common good, emerged during the Enlightenment era, following centuries of religious conflicts. Philosophers like John Locke and Voltaire played significant roles in elaborating this idea, which gradually gained traction in Europe and North America. However, the resurgence of fanaticism and terrorism has posed significant challenges to religious tolerance.

In his book, Denis Lacorne explores the origins and evolution of religious tolerance to address its contemporary tensions. Through a comprehensive analysis that spans various historical contexts, including the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian republic, and recent controversies such as the burqa ban and the white-supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Lacorne examines critical questions related to the limits of tolerance. He questions whether freedom of expression should be restricted in the name of human dignity or decency, explores the acceptance of religious symbols in public spaces, and considers the tolerance of intolerant beliefs. While acknowledging that absolute tolerance is impossible, Lacorne argues that the Enlightenment concept of religious tolerance is essential for the survival of a pluralistic society.

The Limits of Tolerance is a profound reflection on the fundamental challenges facing twenty-first-century democracy. Lacorne's book received the prestigious Prix Montyon from the Académie Française, recognizing its significance in shaping our understanding of tolerance and its role in maintaining a diverse and inclusive society.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 141 x 216 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231187152