Abstract

Tolerance is advocated as one of the appropriate responses to rational contradiction. A class of rational contradictions is defined, involving inconsistencies within formal systems and within experience, as distinct from psychological and sociological contradiction. Possible bases for a psychological tendency or desire to maintain consistency and therefore to attempt to resolve contradictions are considered. A variety of modes of response to contradiction are discussed and classified. Various kinds of tolerance are shown to be among the naive responses, and the adaptive qualities of such responses are indicated. Arguments are presented for simultaneous maintenance of contradictory assertions in certain situations rather than attempted resolution.