Tolerance is a Moral Virtue - Rivka T. Witenberg

Introduction

Rivka T. Witenberg (Ph. D.) is an academic, researcher and a writer. In 2017 she published a book entitled “Tolerance" the glue that binds us, and in 2019 she published "The psychology of tolerance”

Rivka T. Witenberg received funding from Large ARC SPIRT Grant; Department of Psychology Research Support Scheme, University of Melbourne and Australian Catholic University; Centre for Education for Human Values and Tolerance, Bar Ilan University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The University of Melbourne Collaborative research Grant. Latest publication: The psychology of tolerance: Conception and development RIVKA T. WITENBERG Promoting Tolerance and Acceptance through Education. The role of education is to encourage moral and socially moral/ethical individuals who develop a robust sense of fairness, justice and empathy which will influence tolerance and acceptance.

What do you mean by tolerance?

Tolerance is the quality of allowing other people to say and do as they like, even if you do not agree or approve of it.

Tolerance is the ability to bear something painful or unpleasant.

Capacity to endure pain or hardship: endurance, fortitude, stamina.

Sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own.

The act of allowing something: toleration.

What is moral virtue example?

Honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, and prudence are all examples of virtues.

Is tolerance a moral virtue?

Yes it is a moral obligation or duty which involves respect for the individual as well as mutual respect and consideration between people.

Tolerance is a moral virtue

An alternative way for us to think of tolerance is to place it within the moral domain and recognise that it is what it is, a moral virtue.

Many recent philosophers have linked tolerance with respect, equality and liberty. Those such as Michael Dusche, John Rawls and Michael Walzer among others, argue that we should regard tolerance as a positive civic and moral duty between individuals, irrespective of colour, creed or culture.

In other words, it is a moral obligation or duty which involves respect for the individual as well as mutual respect and consideration between people. Tolerance between people makes it possible for conflicting claims of beliefs, values and ideas to coexistence as long as they fit within acceptable moral values.

So while different marriage practices fit in within acceptable moral values, sexual abuse of children is immoral and cannot be tolerated. I believe tolerance is an essential component in social unity and a remedy to intolerance and prejudice.

The idea that tolerance is a moral duty had been acknowledged by earlier civil libertarians, such as John Locke, Baruch Spinoza, John Stuart Mill and others. They argue that tolerant people value the individual, his or her independence and freedom of choice.

When tolerance is placed within the moral domain relating to fairness, justice and respect and avoiding causing harm to others, it can only be viewed as a positive moral virtue.

Psychological research supports the idea that tolerance is better placed within the moral domain. My own research with my students shows the best indicators and predictors of tolerance to human diversity are fairness and empathy.

Fairness and empathy are also very closely connected to moral development and reasoning. They are fundamental to any coherent moral philosophy.

Empathy and Sympathy

Definition of Empathy and Sympathy

Empathy is the ability for a person to understand, share with, and see a situation from another person's perspective or point of view.

Empathy is shown in how much compassion and understanding we can give to another. 

Empathy is our ability to understand how someone feels while

Sympathy is the feelings of sorrow or pity for the misfortunes of others.

Sympathy is more of a feeling of pity for another.

Sympathy is our relief in not having the same problems.

The Differences between Empathy and Sympathy 

Let us discuss their differences so that we can display the appropriate emotion at the appropriate time. The difference between empathy and sympathy is found in how we relate to the other person.

When we relate with empathy, we give the other person space to own their emotions and feelings. We reflect on what they are feeling and provide a safe space for all emotions, even negative ones. When we relate with sympathy, we move into problem-solving mode. We have ideas and judgments about how the person feels and what they should do. This not only minimizes the person’s problems, but it ignores their feelings. 

Sympathy comes from our ego. It is what we know we should do, and often, it is telling others what to do or feel as well. Empathy comes from the heart. It is feeling another’s pain and sharing a human experience. Everyone wants to be accepted and understood, and empathy fosters those feelings in the person sharing and the person listening. 

Another main difference between empathy and sympathy is that empathy is an appropriate emotion at any time. Showing empathy will bring you closer to others no matter what the circumstances. Where sympathy is only exhibited during tough times, being empathetic is an attitude we can adopt at any time. 

How Can We Exhibit More Empathy for Those Struggling? 

Empathy is more than a feeling; it is actionable steps that show you care. But how do we show empathy to others? How should we show up for our loved ones in times of grief or struggle? 

Listen Without Judgment

Listen With Intention 

Listen Without Advice

Listen With Understanding

Listen With Vulnerability