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1
the practice of holding multiple church offices or benefices simultaneously
- The bishop was criticized for pluralism, overseeing three parishes at once.
- Pluralism often led to absentee clergy in medieval Europe.
- Reformers opposed pluralism as it distracted clerics from their duties.
- The cathedral records reveal widespread pluralism among senior clergy.
- Church councils condemned pluralism to improve pastoral care.
2
a philosophical doctrine that reality is composed of multiple fundamental substances or elements
- Ancient Greek philosophers debated pluralism versus monism.
- Pluralism in metaphysics rejects the idea of a single ultimate substance.
- The theory of pluralism influenced early scientific thought.
- Philosophers of pluralism argue that the universe contains multiple independent realities.
- Pluralism contrasts with reductionist approaches in philosophy.
Antonyms:
3
a social or political system in which multiple racial, ethnic, religious, or cultural groups coexist and are tolerated
- Modern democracies often embrace pluralism to protect minority rights.
- Pluralism encourages cultural diversity within a unified society.
- The city's success is attributed to its long-standing pluralism.
- Pluralism in education ensures representation of different perspectives.
- Critics argue that pluralism can create social fragmentation if not managed well.