Aug 25, 2013 5:23 PM

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.

pluralism [?pl??r??l?z?m] n 1. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) the holding by a single person of more than one ecclesiastical benefice or office 2. (Sociology) Sociol a theory of society as several autonomous but interdependent groups which either share power or continuously compete for power 3. (Sociology) the existence in a society of groups having distinctive ethnic origin, cultural forms, religions, etc. 4. (Business / Industrial Relations & HR Terms) 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) Philosophy a. the metaphysical doctrine that reality consists of more than two basic types of substance Compare monism [1] dualism [2] b. the metaphysical doctrine that reality consists of independent entities rather than one unchanging whole Compare monism [1] absolutism [2b] pluralist n & adj pluralistic adj