pluralism

[ploo r-uh-liz-uh m] /ˈplʊər əˌlɪz əm/
noun
1.
Philosophy.
  1. a theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle.
    Compare dualism (def 2), monism (def 1a).
  2. a theory that reality consists of two or more independent elements.
2.
Ecclesiastical.
  1. the holding by one person of two or more offices at the same time.
  2. plurality (def 7a).
3.
Sociology, cultural pluralism.
4.
state or quality of being plural.
Origin
1810-20; plural + -ism
Related forms
pluralist, noun, adjective
pluralistic, adjective
pluralistically, adverb
nonpluralistic, adjective
unpluralistic, adjective
Examples from the web for pluralism
  • All steps forward toward a healthy pluralism, perhaps.
  • Ethnic diversity and cultural pluralism is an announced objective.
  • He said, "there has never been so much pluralism" among writers and what is being published.
  • They need to turn to non-violence and pluralism or another movement needs to be found.
  • The authors likewise discuss the questions of pluralism and assimilation.
  • Second, those who argue for pluralism should practice it.
  • He deplores the absence of even a basic conception of the common good in contemporary pluralism.
  • He says that the government is not just split between radicals and social democrats: its “pluralism is much greater”.
  • It brings together three things: pluralism, localism and voluntarism.
  • Democracy presupposes equality before the law, due process and political pluralism.
British Dictionary definitions for pluralism

pluralism

/ˈplʊərəˌlɪzəm/
noun
1.
the holding by a single person of more than one ecclesiastical benefice or office
2.
(sociol) a theory of society as several autonomous but interdependent groups which either share power or continuously compete for power
3.
the existence in a society of groups having distinctive ethnic origin, cultural forms, religions, etc
4.
a theory that views the power of employers as being balanced by the power of trade unions in industrial relations such that the interests of both sides can be catered for
5.
(philosophy)
  1. the metaphysical doctrine that reality consists of more than two basic types of substance Compare monism (sense 2), dualism (sense 2)
  2. the metaphysical doctrine that reality consists of independent entities rather than one unchanging whole Compare monism (sense 2), absolutism (sense 2b)
Derived Forms
pluralist, noun, adjective
pluralistic, adjective
Word Origin and History for pluralism
n.

1818, as a term in church administration, from plural + -ism. Attested from 1882 as a term in philosophy for a theory which recognizes more than one ultimate principle. In political science, attested from 1919 (in Harold J. Laski) in sense "theory which opposes monolithic state power." General sense of "toleration of diversity within a society or state" is from 1933. Related: Pluralist (1620s, in the church sense); pluralistic.

pluralism in Culture

pluralism definition


A conviction that various religious, ethnic, racial, and political groups should be allowed to thrive in a single society. In metaphysics, pluralism can also mean an alternative to dualism and monism. A pluralist asserts that there are more than two kinds of principles, whereas the dualist maintains there are only two and a monist only one.