Posted on Monday 5th March 2012
The principle of tolerance finds its origins in 16th century Europe in an effort to overcome religious wars between different Christian denominations, that were at the time ravaging the continent. The concept of tolerance and the practice of toleration remain relevant to this day in the quest for accommodating diversity within European societies. Some may argue that tolerance is ethically minimalist but politically expedient. Others may argue that we need to go beyond tolerance to accommodate diversity, we need to speak of respect and recognition of both individual and collective forms of diversity. Anna Galeotti among others argues that tolerance does not only involve minimal toleration of the kind 'live and let live' even if you disapprove. But that there are also more advanced forms of egalitarian, 'thick' tolerance that require changing the public space to make 'room' for minorities and their special claims or needs.
It is in this context that two well-known political theorists, Prof. Tariq Modood (University of Bristol) and Prof. Veit Bader (University of Amsterdam), both participating in ACCEPT Pluralism project, engage in a constructive dialogue on whether and how we should go beyond toleration in liberal democratic states.
The roundtable will take place at Central European University, Budapest (Hungary), on 8th March 2012 at 17.30.
The event will be broadcasted live http://www.ustream.tv/channel/central-european-university
For more information see the event's poster and visit Central European University website.