pluralism

[ploor-uh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. Philosophy.

   1. a theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle.

   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.

3. Sociology.,  cultural pluralism.

4. state or quality of being plural.

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 dualism

   2. the metaphysical doctrine that reality consists of independent entities rather than one unchanging whole Compare monism absolutism

pluralism

1. 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.

Other Word Forms

• pluralist noun
• pluralistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pluralism¹

First recorded in 1810–20; plural + -ism

Example Sentences

Ms Huq headed the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, one of the bodies set up by the interim government to bring social and political changes reflecting the uprising's goals of democracy and pluralism.

From BBC

This belief system views pluralism as weakness, compromise as betrayal, and coexistence as capitulation.

From Salon

Party president Jordan Bardella said the "spectacular and unprecedented operation" was a "serious attack on pluralism and democratic change".

From BBC

To them, the democratic values of equality and pluralism and justice are themselves the emergency.

From Salon

The access was tied to a number of conditions including free market policies, labour and human rights and political pluralism.

From BBC

Related Words

• fusion