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Definition of pluralism - 4 dictionary results
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plu⋅ral⋅ism

  [ploor-uh-liz-uhm]
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–noun
1. Philosophy.
a. a theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle. Compare dualism (def. 2), monism (def. 1a).
b. a theory that reality consists of two or more independent elements.
2. Ecclesiastical.
a. the holding by one person of two or more offices at the same time.
b. plurality (def. 7a).
3. Sociology. cultural pluralism.
4. state or quality of being plural.
Origin:
1810–20; plural + -ism

Related forms:
plu⋅ral⋅ist, noun, adjective
plu⋅ral⋅is⋅tic, adjective
plu⋅ral⋅is⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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plu·ral·ism   (plŏŏr'ə-lĭz'əm)   
n.  

  1. The condition of being multiple or plural.

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

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

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

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

  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

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

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

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

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.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

pluralism 
1818, as a term in church administration, from plural (q.v.) + -ism. Attested from 1882 as a term in philosophy for a theory which recognizes more than one ultimate principle. In political science, attested from 1919 (in Harold J. Laski) in sense "theory which opposes monolithic state power." Gen. sense of "toleration of diversity within a society or state" is from 1933.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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