1. I propose a New Theory… 18/09/2024
Theory Name: The Equilibrium of Tolerance
This theory seeks to maintain balanced tolerance across the political and social spectrum. It aims to ensure open discourse while placing universal limits on harmful actions, regardless of where those actions originate.
2. Key Principles of the Theory
a) Tiered Tolerance
Tolerance operates on a sliding scale, where certain behaviours or ideas are met with more scrutiny, while still allowing open discussion:
Tier 1: Open Discourse (Highest Tolerance Level)
All ideas, regardless of their political, social, or moral stance, are open for discussion, as long as they remain within the bounds of civil discourse. This tier allows for debate on controversial topics, providing the conversation remains respectful and avoids promoting harm to others.Tier 2: Critical Engagement (Moderate Tolerance Level)
In this tier, ideas that could have indirect harmful consequences are met with critical engagement and challenge. These ideas are not silenced, but their potential consequences are examined rigorously to ensure that they are not implicitly advocating harm. The speaker must be prepared to defend their views under logical scrutiny.Tier 3: Prohibition of Direct Harm (Lowest Tolerance Level)
This tier prohibits speech or actions that directly promote violence, dehumanization, or active harm. Regardless of the political or ideological background, advocating for violent actions or dehumanizing groups or individuals falls outside the realm of acceptable discourse. This tier sets a universal standard that speech promoting harm to others, irrespective of the source, cannot be tolerated.
b) Reciprocal Tolerance
Tolerance must work both ways. All groups, regardless of their position on the political spectrum, must be willing to engage with those they disagree with. The theory rejects selective tolerance, where one group demands tolerance for its views but refuses to tolerate or engage with opposing views.
The central idea is that no side gets a free pass in shutting down discourse simply because they disagree with or dislike the opposing side. Tolerance must be reciprocated, and disagreements must be addressed through discussion, not suppression.
c) Universal Rejection of Violence
The theory unequivocally rejects the use of violence or violent rhetoric to silence or harm others. This principle applies universally—across the political spectrum—ensuring that no group or individual can justify violence under the guise of defending tolerance. It establishes that calls for violence cannot be tolerated in a society that values open discourse.
d) Distinction Between Ideas and Actions
The theory makes a clear distinction between discussing ideas and advocating harmful actions. While even unpopular or controversial ideas may be debated, the moment an idea translates into a call for tangible harm—whether through physical violence or systematic exclusion—it falls into the category of intolerable behaviour.
This framework allows for the discussion of diverse viewpoints, while ensuring that calls for harm are excluded from legitimate discourse. The focus is not on silencing ideas, but on preventing actions or rhetoric that could directly lead to violence or harm.
3. Application in the Real World
For All Sides: The theory treats all groups—regardless of their political or ideological affiliations—equally. It does not assume any inherent bias in one side being more or less harmful. Rather, it establishes a neutral standard for discourse, where the key criterion is whether the ideas being discussed promote harm or violence, rather than which side of the spectrum they originate from.
For Everyone: The theory promotes open dialogue, but firmly draws the line at advocating harm or violence. It encourages critical engagement with ideas, while protecting against the misuse of tolerance as a weapon for silencing dissent or justifying violence.
4. Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Tolerance
The Equilibrium of Tolerance ensures that discourse remains open, while applying a neutral standard across all viewpoints. It prevents the misuse of the tolerance paradox to justify silencing or violence, and instead fosters a healthy democratic environment where all ideas can be discussed—as long as they do not promote harm.
The goal is to support free and open debate, ensuring that no one side dominates or suppresses the other, and that violence and dehumanization are universally rejected, without bias or preference for any particular ideology.
This restructured approach should be more balanced, avoiding any implication that one political side is inherently more harmful than the other. It focuses on behaviour and rhetoric rather than labelling specific ideologies, ensuring neutrality across the board.
Yours sincerely, the Conservative-Right.
The reason for posting the new theory was:
Some reddit users (mostly on the left side) are using the tolerance paradox to silence others; they are also using it to promote violence against those they wish to silence… I propose a new theory to cover both sides—whilst simultaneously allowing for continued discussion...
Theory Name: The Equilibrium of Tolerance