ABSTRACT
It is often noted that compromise is akin to toleration but that the two are, nevertheless, not identical concepts and norms. Christian F. Rostbøll’s contribution investigates the differences and similarities between compromise and toleration. He argues that the two concepts are structurally similar, respond to the same question concerning disagreement, and share a commitment to mutual respect. However, it is crucial not to collapse the two concepts, as they play importantly different roles in democratic theory and practice. Indeed, compromise and toleration must check each other in democratic politics. Compromise without toleration lacks principled limits, and toleration without compromise becomes an insulting imposition of the views of some on the rest.
