In search of the social: Rethinking toleration, remembering hospitality

This article puts forward a historical and philosophical critique of the concept of toleration that questions it as an ultimate achievement and instead interrogates its limitations and seeks ways in which it may point to its own supercession in more positive and durable social bonds. The violence wh...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCogent arts & humanities Vol. 2; no. 1; p. 1084907
Main Author Varsamopoulou, Evy
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Cogent 31.12.2015
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Taylor & Francis Group
Subjects
Cosmopolitanism
Ethics
Friendship
Genocide
hospitality
Humanities
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Philosophy
recognition
Romantic period
Society
toleration
Violence
Europe
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Summary:This article puts forward a historical and philosophical critique of the concept of toleration that questions it as an ultimate achievement and instead interrogates its limitations and seeks ways in which it may point to its own supercession in more positive and durable social bonds. The violence which toleration historically aimed at containing remains a constant in present-day recourses to its relevancy, while the negative valuations of human interrelations that underlie such assessments are passed over. Reflections on genocide through the thought of Levinas prove the primal nature of the law of hospitality, while, following Aristotle, friendship, rather than marriage, safeguards society from violent conflict.
ISSN:2331-1983
2331-1983
DOI:10.1080/23311983.2015.1084907