In this engaging and comprehensive introduction to the topic of
toleration, Andrew Jason Cohen seeks to answer fundamental
questions, such as: What is toleration? What should be tolerated?
Why is toleration important?
Beginning with some key insights into what we mean by toleration,
Cohen goes on to investigate what should be tolerated and why. We
should not be free to do everythingÑmurder, rape, and theft,
for clear examples, should not be tolerated. But should we be free
to take drugs, hire a prostitute, or kill ourselves? Should our
governments outlaw such activities or tolerate them? Should they
tolerate "outsourcing" of jobs or importing of goods or
put embargos on other countries? Cohen examines these difficult
questions, among others, and argues that we should look to
principles of toleration to guide our answers. These principles
tell us when limiting freedom is acceptableÑthat is, they
indicate the proper limits of toleration. Cohen deftly explains the
main principles on offer and indicates why one of these stands out
from the rest.
This wide-ranging new book on an important topic will be essential
reading for students taking courses in philosophy, political
science and religious studies.
