Tolerance is a concept
fundamental to the order of a pluralistic society. The concept, however,
contains within it various dimensions and is therefore subject to misunderstanding
(I). This article will first examine the ways in which tolerance as a social
behavioural virtue differs from the duty of neutrality required of the public
authorities (II). Furthermore, it will discuss whether and to what extend the
public authorities are authorised to educate society in tolerance (III).
Finally, a distinction will be drawn between the expectation of tolerance and
the more far-reaching principle of recognition (IV).