Navigating the Tension of Moral Anti-Realism: Tolerance vs. Intolerance

Moral anti-realism presents a dichotomy between two stances: tolerance and intolerance. Tolerance recognizes that individuals possess differing values rooted in personal preferences, embodying a liberal viewpoint. Conversely, intolerance suggests that when shared reasoning is absent, conflicts can only be resolved through force—be it rhetorical or physical. This dynamic raises questions about which approach to adopt when confronting moral disagreements. While tolerance is generally preferable in state policy, its viability has limits, especially in extreme cases like that of Hitler, where the absence of common evaluative standards might justify suppression of harmful ideologies. The decision on whether to embrace tolerance or resort to force hinges on the specific context and the nature of the individuals involved.