Pluralism in philosophy is a concept opposed to monism.The term comes from the Latin pluralis, which literally means "multiple".Thus, pluralism - is the direction coming from a variety or species began.They are autonomous and are not subject to the note of each other.
The term was introduced to the teachings of the early 19th century.In accordance with one or the other decision the basic philosophical question, pluralism can be either idealistic or materialistic.Idealistic provisions are reflected in the works of Leibniz, for example.Materialist conception are seen in reflections of Empedocles, Spinoza.
special form of plurality considered dualism.His postulates reflect the idea of the independent existence of the ideal and the material.
Almost all the philosophies of the past sought to determine the relationship of the internal phenomena, reducing them to the same manifold base.As a result, they all had a monistic orientation.However, by the end of the 19th century marked reorientation pluralism.This occurred with a shift from the question of the original beginning (principles) of the universe to questions of epistemology (theory of knowledge).
multiplicity of conventionalism in epistemology advocated, separate postpositivist concepts (eg, critical realism, "anarchist theory of knowledge", etc.).
epistemological pluralism - a denial of the fundamental unity of knowledge.The multiplicity in this case, takes as its basis the theory of knowledge only to the notion that there is a plurality of independent, peer sources and forms of knowledge.All of these sources and forms of functioning in accordance with their own laws (for example, artistic creativity, mystery, science, ordinary knowledge, etc.), showing a mutually exclusive "picture of the world."
pluralism - it is usually denial or underestimation of the principle of development, not taking into account that it is not possible union of the set of forms and phenomena into a coherent whole.The teaching can be considered outside of the main problems and the question of the material unity and diversity of the world.This opposition pluralistic and monistic conception of character is not absolute.
The methodology and outlook multiplicity can contain rational elements capable of preventing an absolute conceptual failure, historically as well as style, the picture of the world or thinking this or that particular model of knowledge.It asserts the existence of a plurality of options for the development and formation of knowledge and thus stimulated the struggle and competition of different theoretical and cognitive and methodological programs.
Political pluralism - a concept that involves the formation of the rule of law through the consistent application of the principle of separation of power.According to the principle of functioning and organization, the democratic system in the country suggests the presence in society of multiple independent entities and groups that have the ability to influence the formation of the government, without having it (the power) monopoly.
Recently, the term "pluralism" is often used in political theory and social practice of socialism.The concept captures the multiplicity of socialist rejection of the use of administrative-command system, the simplistic perception of democracy.
As the economic basis of pluralism are the different forms of ownership.According to some authors, to the socialist diversity existed successfully, comprehensive democratization of the people on the background of reducing the field of state regulation.
