Tolerance is an essential part of modern society, but it has its limits. Conscience refers to a person's moral compass that guides them through life, while institutional doctrine refers to the rules and regulations set forth by religious or government institutions. These two forces often clash when it comes to tolerance because they have different definitions of what it means to be tolerant. Individuals may feel comfortable breaking certain social norms or expressing themselves freely without fear of judgment, while institutions may seek to maintain their authority and preserve traditional values. This conflict can lead to tension between individuals and groups, as well as within organizations. In some cases, one group may view another as intolerant simply for disagreeing with their beliefs or practices. Personal conscience is the individual's internal sense of right and wrong, which is influenced by their upbringing, culture, religion, and personal experiences. Institutional doctrine, on the other hand, is the set of standards established by a particular organization or community, such as a church or state. Tolerance refers to the willingness to accept behavior, opinions, and lifestyles that differ from one's own.
While both concepts are important in fostering harmony and cooperation among people, there are times when they come into conflict.
If an individual believes strongly in their right to free speech and expresses controversial ideas publicly, they may clash with those who believe that certain topics should not be discussed openly. Or if someone challenges the status quo in terms of gender roles, sexual orientation, or race relations, they may face resistance from those who hold more traditional views. Similarly, if an organization promotes certain behaviors or attitudes that run counter to an individual's conscience, that person may find it difficult to reconcile this contradiction.
The conflict between personal conscience and institutional doctrine can also arise in situations where laws or regulations restrict freedom of expression or limit access to certain resources. When this happens, it becomes even more challenging for individuals to balance their personal beliefs with societal expectations.
However, tolerance requires understanding and compromise from all parties involved. It means acknowledging differences while working towards common goals and respecting each other's perspectives. By recognizing that tolerance is about more than just accepting different viewpoints but engaging meaningfully with them, we can move closer to creating a world where everyone feels heard and valued regardless of their background or beliefs.
How do personal conscience and institutional doctrine conflict in defining tolerance?
Personal conscience is shaped by an individual's values, beliefs, experiences, and background. It can be influenced by factors such as religion, culture, upbringing, education, and life experiences. Institutional doctrine refers to the official policy, rules, or principles of an organization or society. It is typically established through laws, regulations, policies, customs, and social norms.