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An ideal introduction to the emerging field of Toleration, a critical topic in political philosophy
Written in a lively prose style, ideal for classroom use.

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 everythingNmurder, 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 acceptableNthat 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.

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Acknowledgments viii
 
Introduction 1
 
1 The Topic and Its Historical Relevance 8
 
2 Two Approaches to the Normative Issues 19
 
3 The Harm Principle 36
 
4 Other Principles 55
 
5 Extending the Harm Principle 86
 
6 Children and the Paradoxes of Toleration and
 
Liberalism 111
 
7 General Defenses of Toleration 125
 
8 Conclusion 151
 
Notes 157
 
References 168
 
Index 173

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