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

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.

Read more on Barron's

And how could he claim that the United States was a Christian nation, rather than one that valued pluralism?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Cultural pessimism and an obsession with culture in general: This relates to fascism’s false nostalgia and its discomfort with the pluralism and nonconformity of liberal society.

Read more on Salon

India’s illiberal turn has alienated parts of America’s Democratic Party that once applauded the country for its democratic culture and religious pluralism.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fusion