[SydPhil] USyd Postgrad Work in Progress Talk 12/7/13

[Simon Varey]

Here are the details for the next USyd Postgrad Work in Progress talk:

Speaker: Louise Richardson-Self

Title: Reading through Rainer Forst’s Reflections on Tolerance and Luce
Irigaray’s Philosophy of Sexuate Difference

Rainer Forst advocates a ‘respect conception of tolerance’. This conception
demands that, while people are entitled to hold differing ethical beliefs,
one is obligated to tolerate the practices of the other so long as their
practices are not morally objectionable. Speaking to those with ethical
oppositions, Forst says:
“To tolerate them [the objectionable persons] out of respect is not to
appreciate them or to have some kind of esteem for them. All that is
required is the understanding that such a kind of ethical critique is not
sufficient to draw the limits of toleration” (2004, 319).

What does this mean for LGBTs seeking same-sex marriage? Forst believes
that same-sex marriage cannot be objected to on moral grounds, but only on
ethical grounds. Thus, LGBTs and the practice of same-sex marriage are to
be tolerated.
But is ‘tolerance’ the appropriate response to same-sex marriage (and,
subsequently, homosexuality)? Can LGBTs make a stronger claim: That they
and their practices are to be respected in the true sense of the word?
I claim that Luce Irigaray’s philosophy of sexuate difference might prove
that a legitimate objection component to same-sex marriage and
homosexuality does not exist. Insofar as this is the case, the need for
‘tolerance’ disappears. What exist are instances of prejudice, which there
is a duty to repudiate. As such, LGBTs can make a stronger claim to respect.
Time: 4:30pm, Mon Aug 12
Location: Philosophy Common Room, Main Quad, University of Sydney
Hope to see you all there,
Simon Varey
Postgraduate Colloquium Co-ordinator
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