Definition

1. Noun:
   • A condition or system in which multiple distinct groups, principles, or sources of authority coexist within a society: This meaning refers to a social structure where diversity in race, religion, ethnicity, or culture is accepted and tolerated.
   • A theory or system of thought that recognizes more than one ultimate principle or basic substance: In philosophy, this refers to the doctrine that reality is composed of multiple fundamental kinds of being or elements, as opposed to monism (one substance) or dualism (two substances).
   • The holding of more than one office or ecclesiastical benefice at the same time: This is a historical or specialized usage referring to the practice where one person holds multiple positions, especially church offices, simultaneously.

Usage Examples

• Social/Political Context:
  • Cultural pluralism is a cornerstone of a modern democratic society.
  • The nation's strength lies in its pluralism, where different communities live together in harmony.
• Philosophical Context:
  • Metaphysical pluralism argues against the idea of a single unifying substance in the universe.
  • His thesis explores value pluralism, the idea that there are several equally correct moral principles.
• Historical/Religious Context:
  • In the 18th century, clerical pluralism was a common but controversial practice.

Advanced Usage

• "Value pluralism": A philosophical concept, notably associated with Isaiah Berlin, which holds that fundamental human values are multiple, often conflicting, and cannot be fully reconciled or ranked under a single overarching principle.
  • The debate between value pluralism and moral monism is central to contemporary ethics.
• "Legal pluralism": The existence of multiple legal systems within one geographic area or population, often stemming from different cultural or religious traditions.
  • The study of legal pluralism examines how customary law interacts with state law in post-colonial societies.

Variants and Related Words

• Pluralist (noun): A person who advocates for or believes in a system of pluralism.
  • She is a pluralist who believes diverse viewpoints strengthen public debate.
• Pluralistic (adjective): Characterized by or relating to pluralism.
  • We live in a pluralistic society with many competing ideas.
• Plurality (noun): A large number of different things; the fact of there being more than one of something. (Note: This is related but distinct, often referring simply to a number greater than one, especially in voting contexts).

Synonyms

• Diversity: The state of being varied, especially in social or cultural contexts.
• Multiculturalism: A policy or ideology promoting the peaceful coexistence of different cultural traditions.
• Eclecticism: A philosophy or method that draws on multiple theories, styles, or ideas. (Closer to the philosophical sense).

Related Phrases

• "Pluralism of ideas": A situation where a wide range of different opinions and beliefs are freely expressed and debated.
  • A healthy democracy depends on a pluralism of ideas.
• "Religious pluralism": The attitude or policy regarding the diversity of religious belief systems co-existing in society.
  • Religious pluralism requires both tolerance and a robust legal framework.

Related Idioms

• "A pluralistic society": This is a standard descriptive phrase rather than a fixed idiom, but it is commonly used to describe a society that embraces pluralism as a core value.
  • Building a cohesive yet pluralistic society is a key challenge for many nations.

Noun

1. the practice of one person holding more than one benefice at a time
2. the doctrine that reality consists of several basic substances or elements
3. a social organization in which diversity of racial or religious or ethnic or cultural groups is tolerated