„Cohen tells us that the history of liberalism is the history oftoleration. The claim survives reflection: few events in humanhistory have been more important than when your religion ceased tobe regarded as a good reason to kill you. Toleration isremarkably bold yet remarkably engaging, simply written, andbrimming with insight.“
David Schmidtz, Center for the Philosophy of Freedom
"Cohen's book provides an exemplary analysis of what toleration is(and is not), and a lucid assessment of the reasons - strong andweak - why it is so valuable.„
Hillel Steiner, Professor Emeritus, University of Manchester andResearch Professor, University of Arizona
“Written in an accessible style and unafraid to embracecontroversy, Andrew Cohen provides a lively and challengingintroduction to the meaning and justification of toleration. Herobustly defends his own principles of toleration, and hisconclusions about some of the examples he discusses, along with thearguments in favour of them, are especially likely to stimulatedebate and discussion, both among students and theirteachers.„
John Horton, Keele University
“The iron-fisted King Feris treated everyone equally but toleratedlittle, while King Juris tolerated everything except for harm toothers. Who would not prefer King Juris? And who would argue thattoleration is not important? Andrew Cohen's snappy, often amusing, style makes the issue come alive, and is more effective than astraightforward argument for the importance of toleration. Cohenalso challenges society-wide shibboleths by arguing that drug use, pornography, and prostitution by and with consenting adults oughtto be tolerated, but corporations as they are currently institutedought not. The book is a fine introduction to toleration."
Neera Badhwar, University of Oklahoma (Emerita) and George MasonUniversity (Affiliate)
Toleration
von Andrew Jason CohenBeginning 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.
