Tolerance or Hospitality?

Author: Mengwei Yan  

Publisher: Brill

ISSN: 1673-3436

Source: Frontiers of Philosophy in China, Vol.7, Iss.1, 2012-01, pp. : 154-163

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Abstract

Facing the development of pluralistic cultures and the conflict of varied civilizations, we should examine political theory frameworks, particularly as concerns the construction of world order. On the problem of “tolerance or hospitality,“ tolerance has been the target of opposition. Jacques Derrida deconstructs this concept and supports Immanuel Kant's notion of hospitality instead of tolerance. However, Jürgen Habermas advocates reconstructing the concept of tolerance, although he does note its limits. We should regard hospitality as the fundamental spirit of international relations and take the notion of “Seeking Sameness and Respecting Diversity“ as a principle for handling relations between different cultures.