pluralism
[ ploo r-uh-liz-uh m ]
/ ˈplʊər əˌlɪz əm /
noun
Philosophy.
- a theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle.Compare dualism(def 2), monism(def 1a).
- a theory that reality consists of two or more independent elements.
Ecclesiastical.
- the holding by one person of two or more offices at the same time.
- plurality(def 7a).
Sociology.
cultural pluralism.
state or quality of being plural.
OTHER WORDS FROM pluralism
Words nearby pluralism
plupf.,
plur.,
plural,
plural marriage,
plural voting,
pluralism,
plurality,
pluralize,
plurally,
pluri-,
pluriglandular
Example sentences from the Web for pluralism
British Dictionary definitions for pluralism
pluralism
/ (ˈplʊərəˌlɪzəm) /
noun
the holding by a single person of more than one ecclesiastical benefice or office
sociol
a theory of society as several autonomous but interdependent groups which either share power or continuously compete for power
the existence in a society of groups having distinctive ethnic origin, cultural forms, religions, etc
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
philosophy
- the metaphysical doctrine that reality consists of more than two basic types of substanceCompare monism (def. 2), dualism (def. 2)
- the metaphysical doctrine that reality consists of independent entities rather than one unchanging wholeCompare monism (def. 2), absolutism (def. 2b)
Derived forms of pluralism
pluralist, noun, adjective pluralistic, adjectiveCultural definitions for pluralism
pluralism
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.