The Theories of Toleration
The ideas about tolerance have been central subjects of papers of the majority of philosophers of different times. Since the divergence of religions and personal beliefs was becoming more obvious, the society needed some impulse to understand how to deal with people who think differently. Therefore, Montesquieu, Voltaire and Locke as key authors of their times could not but reflect their views on tolerance.
They all are united in the idea that religion should not serve as a distinctive feature for people, as any religious view cannot be proved. Intolerance in this issue may lead to long-lasting but the result-free debates. Montesquieu referred to numerous “inconsistencies” found in religious belief (Kiryakakis). Voltaire rejected the majority of fundamental beliefs of any religion (“Voltaire: A Treatise on Toleration (1763)”). Locke insisted on non-interference of the society and government into personal relations of an individual and God. By all of them tolerance is seen as a significant factor that unites society.
The main difference is in the approach that every philosopher takes to explain his vision of tolerance. Montesquieu sees religious tolerance as one of the main conditions for successful governing and as a prerequisite for the order in the society. Locke’s approach was more philosophical and saw tolerance as a real power that can “establish the natural freedom and equality of mankind” (“Locke’s Political Philosophy”). Voltaire insisted on unveiling the lying nature of Christianity. His Deism was aimed to demonstrate that religious views may be useful, but neither of them is unconditionally true. All three theories vote for tolerance that is mostly seen through religious beliefs. However, the philosophers found different grounds to justify their position in politics, secular life and theology.
Works Cited
Kiryakakis, F. “Religious Tolerance in Montesquieu’s Persian Letters.” OO Cities. OO Cities, 1998. http://www.oocities.org/athens/delphi/5804/Montesqu.htm
“Locke’s Political Philosophy.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 11 Jan 2016. Web. 28 Apr 2016. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke-political/#Tol
“Voltaire: A Treatise on Toleration (1763).” WSU. WSU, n.d. http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/world_civ/worldcivreader/world_civ_reader_2/voltaire.html
