pluralism

plu·ral·ism  (plr-lzm)

n.

1. The condition of being multiple or plural.

2.

a. A condition in which numerous distinct ethnic, religious, or cultural groups are present and tolerated within a society.

b. The belief that such a condition is desirable or socially beneficial.

3. Ecclesiastical The holding by one person of two or more positions or offices, especially two or more ecclesiastical benefices, at the same time.

4. Philosophy

a. The doctrine that reality is composed of many ultimate substances.

b. The belief that no single explanatory system or view of reality can account for all the phenomena of life.

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pluralism

Noun

1. the existence and toleration in a society of a variety of groups of different ethnic origins, cultures, or religions

2. the holding of more than one office by a person

pluralist nadj
pluralistic adj

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pluralism

1. Ecclesiastic. the holding of two or more church offices by a single person.
2. the state or condition of a common civilization in which various ethnic, racial, or religious groups are free to participate in and develop their common cultures.
3. a policy or principle supporting such cultural plurality. — pluralist, n. — pluralistic, adj.

See also: Politics

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1. a theory positing more than one principle or basic substance as the ground of reality. Cf. dualism, monism.
2. a theory that reality consists, not of an organic whole, but of two or more independent material or spiritual entities. — pluralist, n. — pluralistic, adj.

See also: Philosophy

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	pluralism - a social organization in which diversity of racial or religious or ethnic or cultural groups is tolerated social organisation, social organization, social structure, social system, structure - the people in a society considered as a system organized by a characteristic pattern of relationships; "the social organization of England and America is very different"; "sociologists have studied the changing structure of the family"
	2.	pluralism - the doctrine that reality consists of several basic substances or elements doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought - a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school monism - the doctrine that reality consists of a single basic substance or element
	3.	pluralism - the practice of one person holding more than one benefice at a time practice, pattern - a customary way of operation or behavior; "it is their practice to give annual raises"; "they changed their dietary pattern"