Toleration

Education facts

Code: 1FL129

Within liberal societies, toleration is seen as one of the cardinal political virtues. Likewise, we tend to think positively of people who have a tolerant attitude towards others in their personal life. At the same time, however, in our increasingly polarized societies, toleration is something that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and it is generally accepted that toleration must have its limits: there are certain practices that we should not tolerate.  In this course we investigate the notion of toleration from different sides. By studying both classic and more recent authors, we address a variety of issues concerning toleration. Thus, for instance, we try and determine exactly what it means to be tolerant; we discuss why toleration is important; and we attempt to ascertain when and to what extent it is to be regarded as a virtue, or how the limits of toleration are to be determined. In doing so, we gain insight into what role toleration is to play both socially and politically.   This philosophy course is open to students from all disciplines.

Entry requirements

60 ECTS credits in a university discipline. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Toleration

  Umeå University

  Start date: 31 August 2026

  End date: 1 November 2026

  Pace of study: 50 %