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Pluralism is arguably one of the most important features of modern societies and social groups, and may be a key driver of progress in science, society and economic development.

In authoritarian or oligarchic societies power is tightly-held and by implication decision-making rests with the few. In a pluralistic society or group, power and decision-making (and the ownership of the results of exercising power and taking decisions) are more diffused — the aim is that this will encourage more widespread participation and a greater feeling of commitment from society members. Whether in a firm, a political body or an economy this commitment and participation can make all the difference to the quality of outcomes.

Arguably the open, pluralistic structure of science is a major factor in allowing the rapid growth of knowledge; and it also seems clear that the growth of knowledge leads to increased human welfare e.g. via more rapid economic growth (via increased productivity) or via improvements in medical technology.

1 See also

• List of democracy and elections-related topics
• religious pluralism
• particularism
• pluralism (philosophy of mind)

2 Reference

• Ethics: A Pluralistic Approach to Moral Theory, 2nd ed, Lawrence M. Hinman, Harcourt Brace, 1998.
• The Open Society and its Enemies, Karl Popper, Routledge, 1945.