this post was submitted on 05 Dec 2024
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There's no such thing as a paradox of tolerance. People who think there is such a thing just don't understand social contracts.
Longer explanation: the supposed paradox of tolerance is when people whine about not being protected by tolerant society when they do something intolerant. They claim society isn't so tolerant if it doesn't tolerate their intolerance.
In reality, society is built upon social contracts. One of those contracts is tolerance. If someone is intolerant, they've broken the social contract and therefore are no longer protected by that contract. In fact, it is society's responsibility to reject the intolerant actors to protect the rest of society.
I like the paradox better. It's more eloquent and it extends beyond a society. It can be used in many situations.
Plus, like, social contracts can change. If the society is a bunch of fascists, then clearly they don't give a shit about tolerance. Whereas the paradox can be applied all the time and can be strived for.