In situations of multicultural conflict, it is frequently suggested or even asserted that the solution lies in the principle of tolerance, the teaching of tolerance, the creation of tolerant habits that foster coexistence, respect and harmony. Such has been the case, for instance, following the abominable attacks against the editorial office of Charlie Hebdo, or in order to criticise the atrocities of Islamic State, or, a few years ago, regarding the controversy sparked by the publication of Muhammad cartoons.

Some even go as far as to sustain that tolerance is the fundamental, indispensable norm that should guide our response to the challenges of integration or accommodation created by the long-term establishment of foreign populations (immigrants, refugees) in our countries. The creation of tolerant societies... and yet, resorting to tolerance today, in states whose constitutions recognise human rights and which have ratified the main international human rights treaties, is to offend, as Goethe had it.

In the inaugural conference of the Seminar series on conflicts, multiculturalism and public policy: case studies, organised by the Human Rights Institute of Valencia University within the R&D project "Human rights, multicultural societies and conflicts", Prof. Javier de Lucas will argue that the language of tolerance is incompatible with the logic of equal, universal rights. Tolerance in the public space is a historical concept that might have been justified in a given context (for instance, in the Europe of religious wars), according to the logic of lesser evils. Today, however, to champion tolerance is a sign of ignorance, dumbness, or lack of personal judgement.

 

The presentation will be open to the public on 18 February at 10:30 am, in the auditorium of the Law Faculty.