When is tolerance unethical?: Philosophy Forums

When is tolerance unethical?

oligopolist
banned

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Jul 30, 2007

Total Topics: 2
Total Posts: 94

Posted 12/18/07 - 08:56 AM: Subject: When is tolerance unethical?	#1
At what point does tolerance become unethical and bad for society as a whole? We are surrounded by simple messages like, "Violence is wrong." , "Everyone is equal.", "We can be whatever we want to be.", "Everyone deserves a chance.". We are told to "do unto others", but given no conditions as to how these things are applied. In the end, our society is suffering in the more populated areas for it's 'tolerance'. But is it really a chosen 'tolerance' based on principle or just pure apathy towards anything avoidable? I see quite a few people claim their tolerance is an attribute but I say it's just fear and apathy and irrisponsible towards the tribe at whole. Any thoughts?

Mark_Y
person

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Jan 09, 2007

Total Topics: 4
Total Posts: 116

Posted 12/18/07 - 09:07 AM:	#2
I agree there is a fine line when it comes to all this sort of stuff. And there are no clear cut answers regarding how we are to treat other people as we would like to be treated. I'd say there are things that narrow down this ambiguity though, for instance if you believe in the principle that violence ultimately only leads to more violence, the laws of karma, "you reap what you sow", and that whole principle then it does clear many things up and simplifies many moral dilemmas that would otherwise be completely ambiguous and confusing. Edited by Mark_Y on 12/18/07 - 09:54 AM

Kreius
Student

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Dec 10, 2007

Total Topics: 2
Total Posts: 97

Posted 12/18/07 - 07:26 PM:	#3
The Golden Rule, as I believe it is called, is obviously not the most preferable ethical system. It would promote sadistic behavior from masochists and such. I think the Gardnerian Wiccans got it right: 'Lest it be in they self-defense, Do what thou wilt, but harm none'
"Challenge your professors, even when you agree with them." -Herr Iosity

pigment
Initiate

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Sep 17, 2007

Total Topics: 3
Total Posts: 10

Posted 12/26/07 - 07:49 PM:	#4
Most human attributes are forged under fear and apathy.

hyena in petticoat
Cheeky Possum.

Usergroup: Administrators
Joined: Dec 14, 2006
Location: Here.

Total Topics: 45
Total Posts: 1525

Posted 12/27/07 - 02:16 AM:	#5
The martyr sacrifices themselves entirely in vain. Or rather not in vain; for they make the selfish more selfish, the lazy more lazy, the narrow narrower. - says someone Regardless of intentions, whether for self preservation or mere apathy or as a result of virtue (patience, forgiveness), tolerance implies knowledge of something (often bad) and the conscious decision to ignore it. In some ways, though it may not necessarily promote these bad things, it lets these things continue as they are, so in a sense, the person who tolerates these things is responsible for the bad things happening further still. Speaking of respect, I think we should draw the line between respect and tolerance. Respect necessitates a deeper understanding of people and/ or situations while tolerance is more reflective of indifference, an "un-thought" of dismissal. So letting people be "whatever they want to/ can be" should be a result of respect, not tolerance. Not to mention that this "letting them whatever that want to/ can be" is everything but absolute if we're talking about ethics.
I need to get acquainted with sanity. Rantings, rantings and more rantings. Seriously.

nosos
skeptical

Usergroup: Sponsors
Joined: Jul 24, 2004
Location: Coventry, UK

Total Topics: 145
Total Posts: 2285

Posted 12/27/07 - 04:57 AM:	#6
oligopolist wrote: In the end, our society is suffering in the more populated areas for it's 'tolerance'. Could you expand on this? I see quite a few people claim their tolerance is an attribute but I say it's just fear and apathy and irrisponsible towards the tribe at whole. Could you expand on this? What 'tribe'?
"The men of the future will yet fight their way to many a liberty that we do not even miss? - Max Stirner "The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - JS Mill "I'd rather be a crying little pussy than a faggy Goth kid." - Butters

Sorry, you don't have permission to post. Log in, or register if you haven't yet.