Toleration

In this engaging and comprehensive introduction to the topic oftoleration, Andrew Jason Cohen seeks to answer fundamentalquestions, 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. Weshould not be free to do everythingÑmurder, rape, and theft,for clear examples, should not be tolerated. But should we be freeto take drugs, hire a prostitute, or kill ourselves? Should ourgovernments outlaw such activities or tolerate them? Should theytolerate outsourcing of jobs or importing of goods orput embargos on other countries? Cohen examines these difficultquestions, among others, and argues that we should look toprinciples of toleration to guide our answers. These principlestell us when limiting freedom is acceptableÑthat is, theyindicate the proper limits of toleration. Cohen deftly explains themain principles on offer and indicates why one of these stands outfrom the rest.This wide-ranging new book on an important topic will be essentialreading for students taking courses in philosophy, politicalscience and religious studies.