Pluralism is a multiplicity

Pluralism in philosophy is a concept that opposes monism. The term comes from the Latin pluralis, which literally means "plural". Thus, pluralism is a direction emanating from a multitude of beginnings or species. They are independent and not subject to information to each other.

The term itself was introduced into the teaching in the beginning of the 19th century. In accordance with this or that solution of the basic philosophical question, pluralism can be either idealistic or materialistic. Ideal positions are reflected in the writings of Leibniz, for example. Materialistic concepts are seen in the reflections of Empedocles, Spinoza.

A special form of multiplicity is dualism. His postulates reflect the idea of the independent existence of the ideal and the material.

Virtually all the philosophical teachings of the past sought to determine the inner interconnection of phenomena, reducing their diversity to one basis. As a result, they all had a monistic orientation. However, by the end of the 19th century, there was a reorientation towards pluralism. This happened together with a shift in emphasis from the question of the initial beginning (beginnings) of the universe to questions on epistemology (the doctrine of cognition).

Multiplicity in epistemology defends conventionalism, individual postpositivist concepts (for example, critical realism, the "anarchic theory of knowledge," and so on).

Epistemological pluralism is a denial of the fundamental unity of knowledge. Multiplicity in this case takes as a basis for the theory of knowledge only the notion that there are many independent, equal sources and forms of knowledge. All these sources and forms function in accordance with their own laws (for example, artistic creativity, mysticism, science, everyday knowledge , etc.), representing mutually exclusive "pictures of the world."

Pluralism is, as a rule, a negation or underestimation of the development principle, without considering that it is not possible to unite many forms and phenomena into a single whole. The doctrine can be considered beyond the basic problem and the question of the material unity and diversity of the world. At the same time, the opposition of pluralistic and monistic concepts is not absolute in nature.

In the methodology and outlook of plurality can contain rational moments that can prevent the absolutization of the conceptual system that has developed historically, as well as style, picture of the world or thinking, this or that particular model of knowledge. At the same time, the existence of a multitude of options for the development and formation of knowledge is affirmed, and thus the struggle and competition of various theoretical and cognitive, as well as methodological programs are stimulated.

Political pluralism is a concept that provides for the formation of a rule-of-law state through the consistent implementation of the principle of separation in power. According to the principle of functioning and organization, the democratic system in the country presupposes the presence in society of diverse independent entities and groups that have the ability to influence the formation of power without having at the same time a monopoly on it.

Recently, the term "pluralism" is often used in political theory, as well as social practice of socialism. The notion of socialist plurality fixes the refusal to use the administrative-command system, from the simplified perception of democracy.

Various forms of ownership are used as an economic basis for pluralism. In the opinion of a number of authors, in order for socialist diversity to exist successfully, a comprehensive democratization of the people is necessary against the background of a reduction in the scope of state regulation.