What is the “paradox of tolerance” and is it legit?
In: 1208
The part that’s left out, including that unfortunately famous comic, is that it’s talking about “limitless tolerance”. Meaning a permissive society that won’t defend itself or establish any limits at all on expression.
People used that to justify cracking down on offensive opinions and bigoted statements. And advocating for the laws to change to support it.
When in reality the US and other western societies have limits on speech when it comes to threats. Popper never meant to justify legally penalizing people for offense, but that a society that tolerates anything will be toppled by those who hate them.
His statement doesn’t apply, but people twisted it to justify the idea we should jail for offense.
Latest Answers