Intolerance and discrimination

Abstract

This article traces the origins of tolerance as a pragmatic policy of absolute monarchy through its transformation into an indispensable tool for the establishment of religious pluralism in a democratic polity. The author distinguishes between mere toleration of outsiders, who are nevertheless considered inferior, and toleration based on mutual recognition and mutual acceptance of divergent worldviews. This latter kind of tolerance allows religions and democracy to coexist in a pluralistic environment and paves the way to reconciliation between multiculturalism and equality.