A Far Cry from Pluralistic Individualism

Enlightenment Toleration Revisited

Bibliographic Data

ID3410539
AuthorsJuan Pablo Domínguez (0000-0003-0814-9371, Universidad de Navarra, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume16
Issue2
Pages117
Publication date2025-01-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16020117
OpenAlexW4406766860
LanguageEN
References cited14

In order to highlight the unprecedented character of Enlightenment toleration theories and their decisive role in the intellectual history of modern freedoms, these theories are often depicted as principled, based on individual rights, and aimed at doctrinal pluralism. In contrast, earlier defenses of toleration are usually portrayed as pragmatic, based on reason of state, and aimed at doctrinal consensus. This article challenges the notion that Enlightenment thinkers advocated toleration primarily in the name of pluralism and individual freedom. Instead, it suggests that most of them drew the line between what should and should not be tolerated based on pragmatic considerations aimed at advancing the common interest of political communities, strengthening the state's power over religious authority, and reuniting societies divided by theological quarrels and wars of religion

Enlightenment · Epistemology · Individualism · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Toleration · Law · Philosophy · Political Philosophy and Ethics

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