Toleration, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Within liberal societies, toleration is seen as one of the cardinal political virtues. Likewise, we tend to think positively of people who have a tolerant attitude towards others in their personal life. At the same time, however, in our increasingly polarized societies, toleration is something that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and it is generally accepted that toleration must have its limits: there are certain practices that we should not tolerate. 

In this course we investigate the notion of toleration from different sides. By studying both classic and more recent authors, we address a variety of issues concerning toleration. Thus, for instance, we try and determine exactly what it means to be tolerant; we discuss why toleration is important; and we attempt to ascertain when and to what extent it is to be regarded as a virtue, or how the limits of toleration are to be determined. In doing so, we gain insight into what role toleration is to play both socially and politically.  

This philosophy course is open to students from all disciplines. 

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course students will have:  

Knowledge and understanding:  

• displayed knowledge and understanding of central concepts, theories, problems, and arguments in the contemporary debate of ethical, social and political questions about toleration.  

Skill and ability:  

• displayed an ability to write academic texts of good quality;  
• displayed an ability to produce and assess arguments concerning the course materials.  

Assessment and attitude:  

• displayed an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of central arguments in the contemporary debate of ethical, social and political questions about toleration. 

Required Knowledge

60 ECTS credits in a university discipline. 

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.  

Form of instruction

The course consists of discussion seminars and an introductory lecture. If the course is given online, the teaching and student activities will be internet-based.    

Students are required to have access to a computer and a stable internet connection. 

Examination modes

The examination consists of an essay and active participation in seminars according to the instructions given. The grades given for the essay are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG); the grades for participation are Fail (U) or Pass (G). In order to pass the course as a whole, all mandatory parts must be passed. Provided this is the case, the final grade for the course as a whole is identical to the grade of the essay. Partial credit is not possible.  

Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the first examination, but not earlier than 10 working days after the results from the original examination has been given to the students. A re-exam must be offered once again within a year. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.  

If examinations or compulsory learning sessions cannot be repeated in accordance with current rules for re-examination, they may be replaced by other forms of assignments. The extent and content of such an assignment shall be in proportion to the missing compulsory sessions.  

Deviations from the examination form of the syllabus can be made for a student who has decisions on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the constraints set by the expected learning outcomes stated in the syllabus. At the request of the student, the teacher responsible for the course, in consultation with the examiner, must quickly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision should then be communicated to the student. 
 
In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the regular examination) according to the regulations of the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a maximum period of two years from the end of the previous syllabus or the course has ceased to be offered.