pluralism

American  

[ploor-uh-liz-uhm] / ˈplʊər əˌlɪz əm /

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.

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pluralism British  

/ 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

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pluralism Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• pluralist noun
• pluralistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pluralism

First recorded in 1810–20; plural + -ism

Example Sentences

I have lived its generosity, its pluralism, its capacity to absorb difference and be enlarged by it.

From Salon

Australia is a liberal democracy that prides itself on tolerance, pluralism and public order.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Staff cuts in newsrooms and cuts to journalists' salaries... have had a huge impact on pluralism and citizens' right to be informed," the federation said.

From Barron's

The new measures include increasing financing to media -- although the draft does not provide specific figures -- and closely monitoring news group mergers to better promote pluralism.

From Barron's

Schools that have demonstrated ideological pluralism among the faculty received higher marks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fusion