TOLERANCE – FUNDAMENTAL VALUE OF INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION
TOLERANCE – FUNDAMENTAL VALUE OF INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION

Summary/Abstract: Justice, freedom, equality and tolerance are values that axiological determine the well going of intercultural education and of any educational process, within a democratic society. The European Union’s motto appeals to “unity through diversity”. This logo imposes an explicit awareness with regard to tolerance. Specifically, it implies knowledge of, acceptance and respect for cultural diversity and the infinite diversity of human beings. The philosophy of tolerance identifies and promotes the respect for human dignity, the principle of equality of people, regardless of race, religion, nationality, and its major aim is to replace power relationships with dialogue relationships. Thus, there appears a new perspective of the relationship I – the other, a relationship implying Identity versus Alterity. Based on beliefs, tolerance materializes into attitudes that permit others to behave, think and feel in a different manner. Events occurring throughout the contemporary world, together with the depreciation of human condition, make possible for tolerance to become the antidote for the humankind torn by antagonistic behaviors, tensions and excesses. Furthermore, tolerance could constitute the premise for the human condition’s rehabilitation. Which is the tolerance threshold in a society where democracy is still fragile and vulnerable? To what extent does cultivation of freedoms and citizens’ rights activate the paradox of tolerance, as it was stated by Herbert Marcuse? The present study aims at identifying the occurrence of tolerant attitudes, of openness toward dialogue in young people, as premise for a democratic society’s consolidation, together with identifying educational contents and strategies able to contribute to the spread of tolerance.

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