At Civility's Edge: Ethics and Intolerance

Rather than focusing on recent events, we hope to step back and examine the enduring questions that underlie the edge of civility. Andra Gillespie, Emory professor of political science, sociology, and race Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, Emory professor of contemplative science & compassion-based ethics Moderator: Jonathan K. Crane, PhD, Raymond F. Schinazi Scholar in Bioethics and Jewish Thought This conversation explores the limits of tolerance. Rather than focusing on recent events on or off campus, we hope to step back and examine the enduring questions that underlie the edge of civility. Among the questions we may consider are: In which ways are the limits of tolerance fixed and unchangeable? Or do we manufacture those edges when we refuse to accept certain differences – of belief, opinion, practices, peoples? If intolerance is willfully made, which values justify its shape? If intolerance is more fixed and objective, what can/should we do about it? When our professions/guild/traditions think about intolerance, what – and who – do we think about? In an age of profound compassion and baseless degradation, we must seriously consider our role in fostering – and controlling – intolerance.