Final answer:
Classical and modern liberals both value tolerance but differ in their views on government intervention. Classical liberalism emphasizes individual liberties and minimal government, while modern liberalism advocates for equality and may support more substantial government roles. Both recognize a paradox of tolerance regarding ideas that threaten liberal values.
Step-by-step explanation:
While classical and modern liberals both share a foundational belief in the importance of individual rights, their approach to tolerance and the role of government can vary significantly. Classical liberalism places a strong emphasis on individual liberties and limited government interference, advocating for free market capitalism as a means for individuals to freely engage in economic activities.
In contrast, modern liberalism supports a more active role for the government in promoting equality and may endorse interventions in the economy and society that aim to level the playing field. Despite these differences, the core liberal value of tolerance for a wide range of ideas remains prominent within both branches of liberalism. However, both classical and modern liberals recognize the paradox of tolerance, a concept that acknowledges there may be limits to tolerance when it comes to ideas that fundamentally threaten the rights and freedoms that liberalism cherishes.