Too often, ethical discourse has been dominated by rigid dogma and exclusionary thinking. Proponents of different moral philosophies or religious traditions have tended to view their own beliefs as the sole repository of truth, dismissing or demonizing alternative perspectives. In practice, an ethic of intellectual love and presumptive tolerance might manifest in myriad ways. It could inspire greater interfaith dialogue and cooperation, where adherents of different religious traditions come together to explore their shared values and points of connection.
we need an ethic that is grounded in intellectual love of the complexity of being and infused with the presumptive tolerance of a variety of faiths” by W.E. Connolly:
In an age of growing division and polarization, the words of philosopher William E. Connolly ring truer than ever. His call for “an ethic that is grounded in intellectual love of the complexity of being and infused with the presumptive tolerance of a variety of faiths” points the way toward a more compassionate, nuanced, and pluralistic approach to ethics and morality.
At the heart of Connolly’s vision is a deep appreciation for the fundamental complexity and multiplicity that defines the human condition. Rather than seeking simplistic answers or singular moral frameworks, he urges us to embrace the richness and diversity inherent in the “complexity of being.” This means acknowledging the myriad, belief system, cultural traditions, and lived experiences that shape our world, rather than privileging one over the others.
Too often, ethical discourse has been dominated by rigid dogma and exclusionary thinking. Proponents of different moral philosophies or religious traditions have tended to view their own beliefs as the sole repository of truth, dismissing or demonizing alternative perspectives. This zero-sum mentality has fuelled endless conflicts, from the bloody wars of religion to the culture wars of the modern era.
Connolly’s ethic, by contrast, is grounded in what he calls an “intellectual love” – a curious, open-minded, and empathetic engagement with the full spectrum of human experience. Rather than imposing a predetermined set of rules or commandments, this approach encourages us to continually examine, question, and expand our moral horizons. It recognizes that the “complexity of being” is not a problem to be solved, but a wellspring of insight and enlightenment.
At the same time, Connolly’s vision is not one of moral relativism or indifference. He does not advocate for a free-for-all where “anything goes.” Instead, he calls for a “presumptive tolerance” – a default posture of respect and openness toward diverse faiths and worldviews. This means striving to understand and engage with perspectives that may be radically different from our own, rather than dismissing or demonizing them.
Crucially, this presumptive tolerance does not mean blind acceptance or uncritical affirmation. It is not a license for moral nihilism or ethical abdication. Rather, it is a humble acknowledgment that absolute moral certainty is elusive, and that the search for truth is an ongoing, collaborative process. It is a recognition that even the most deeply held beliefs may be enriched and expanded through dialogue and exchange.
In practice, this ethic of intellectual love and presumptive tolerance might manifest in myriad ways. It could inspire greater interfaith dialogue and cooperation, where adherents of different religious traditions come together to explore their shared values and points of connection, rather than focusing solely on their differences. It could foster more nuanced and empathetic political discourse, where ideological opponents seek to understand each other’s underlying motivations and concerns, rather than engaging in simplistic partisan warfare.
It could also spur a more holistic and inclusive approach to education, where students are exposed to a diverse array of philosophical, cultural, and religious traditions, and encouraged to grapple with the complexities and ambiguities inherent in each. Rather than simply imparting a fixed body of knowledge, this approach would cultivate critical thinking, intellectual humility, and a thirst for lifelong learning.
Ultimately, Connolly’s vision offers a powerful antidote to the growing forces of tribalism, intolerance, and moral absolutism that threaten to tear our world apart. By embracing the “complexity of being” and the “presumptive tolerance of a variety of faiths,” we can move beyond the shallow certainties of dogma and embrace the rich, messy, and endlessly fascinating tapestry of human experience.
This is not to say that such an ethic will be easy to implement or that it will immediately resolve all of our moral and social conflicts. Deeply entrenched beliefs, power structures, and cultural divides will not be easily overcome. And there will undoubtedly be instances where the principle of presumptive tolerance must be balanced against other important values, such as the need to protect the vulnerable or to defend fundamental human rights.
In the end, the stakes of embracing this ethic of intellectual love and presumptive tolerance could not be higher. In a world increasingly defined by polarization, xenophobia, and the erosion of democratic norms, the very future of our shared civilization may depend on our ability to transcend the limits of our own parochial perspectives and embrace the full scope of human diversity and complexity.
To learn more about Dr. Adis Duderija academic and public scholarship visit his website: www.dradisduderija.com
A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are ( co-edited)- Shame, Modesty, and Honora in Islam and Interfaith Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer). Dr Adis Duderija is an accredited observer of the Religions for Peace Australia national executive.
