| Thanks for the clarification, Jim. This is a technical use of the terms of which I was not aware.
It seems to me that a pluralistic system (in the more formal sense Jim is using the term) requires tolerance (in a colloquial sense) by all groups concerned.
In a non-technical sense the US is pluralistic -- many various subcultures, even if there is a dominant one.
Steve
In a message dated 7/29/2005 8:05:20 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Jim, are you seriously saying that pluralistic and tolerant are not able to mutually exclusive? A society cannot be both pluralistic and tolerant? I've never heard tolerance offered in contrast to pluralistic. I've only ever seen them hand in hand -- we are pluralistic and tolerant of difference that comes along with being pluralistic. I guess I've missed something.
While I may not substitute salt for sugar, I will use both in one recipe. I think that the sine qua non of toleration is that there is a predominant thought or belief system, whether established by law as in England or existing de facto as in post-Revolutionary America. Toleration means that non-established or non-predominant systems are not the basis of entire exclusion from the political and social life of the community. Pluralism begins with a quantum difference; no one system enjoys establishment or particular predominance. No other system of thought/belief requires the permission of either the government or the established/predominant system to exist and have its adherent enjoy full participation in the political and social life of the community. If I am in the ballpark on the definitions (and I haven't looked them up to be certain), then Steve and I will simply have to disagree on the co-existence of pluralism and toleration. On the other hand, the results, the operation, of such societies probably look very similar on a day to day basis. Canada under the crown and the United States, for example. Jim Henderson Senior Counsel ACLJ _______________________________________________
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from "Ms. Rumphius" by Barbara Cooney |
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