Ariadne's Thread on Ethical Relativism
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Tolerance

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Fred Speaking
Ayesha, I know you don't think much of colonialism, and part of your concern about tolerance and interference is based on your opposition to it. I agree that the colonial powers did a lot of harm. But just let me say this:
  • It is a mistake to assume that criticism of other cultures is always arrogant or intolerant. Criticism may be accompanied by arrogance or intolerance, but I doesn't have to be.
  • It is also a mistake to assume that interference always does harm. Again, interference may harm people by their standards or ours, but it doesn't always do so. It may sometimes help - even by their own standards. Albert Schweitzer interfered with another culture when he built his hospital in Africa; but he did good, not harm.

My point is that we can't build sound arguments on assumptions like the one's I have mentioned. I think you may be doing that.


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