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Pluralism (Public Administration)
The belief that a mixture of different religions and ethnic groups within a single society is a positive thing. While the United States has long embraced the concept of political pluralism (hence the “melting pot”), Europe has been traditionally more resistant. Pluralism can also refer to the embrace of different ideas; by recognizing competing philosophies and perspectives, a society may better realize a larger common good. This is seen as essential to any open political system, which does not hold a single monopoly over the truth but rather seeks negotiation between a multiplicity of discrete interests and ideas. Although the abstract idea of pluralism is generally embraced, many social critics have questioned its larger consequences. For example, to what extent should societies be willing to ...