Pluralism

Pluralism is, in the general sense, the affirmation and acceptance of diversity. The concept is used, often in different ways, in a wide range of issues. In politics, the affirmation of diversity in the interests and beliefs of the citizenry, is one of the most important features of modern democracy. In science, the concept often describes the view that several methods, theories or points of view are legitimate or plausible. The term pluralism is also used, in several different senses, in the context of culture, religion and philosophy.

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• ...all earlier pluralist societies destroyed themselves because no one took care of the common good. They abounded in communities but could not sustain community, let alone create it.
  • Peter Drucker, The New Pluralism Leader to Leader, No. 14 (Fall 1999)

• A secure pluralistic society requires communities that are educated and confident both in the identity and depth of their own traditions and in those of their neighbours.
  • His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Address at the Leadership and Diversity Conference Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, May 19, 2004

• At few periods in modern history, has the mission of building pluralistic societies been more important than at present. Celebrating the diversity of perspectives and opinions, faiths and cultures, languages and traditions is a prerequisite to building harmonious and successful societies.
  • Firoz Rasul, President of Aga Khan University, Address to the 2006 Convocation of the Aga Khan University - Karachi, Pakistan, December 2, 2006

• Pluralism is no longer simply an asset or a prerequisite for progress and development, it is vital to our existence.
  • His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Speech at the Ceremony to Inaugurate the Restored Humayun's Tomb Gardens - New Delhi, India, April 15, 2003 (AKDN)

• Pluralist societies are not accidents of history. They are a product of enlightened education and continuous investment by governments and all of civil society in recognizing and celebrating the diversity of the world’s peoples.
  • His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Speech on Democratic Development, Pluralism and Civil Society delivered at the Nobel Institute - Oslo, Norway, April 7, 2005 (AKDN)

• The spirit of the Knowledge Society is the spirit of Pluralism—a readiness to accept the Other, indeed to learn from him, to see difference as an opportunity rather than a threat.
  • His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Address to the 2006 Convocation of the Aga Khan University - Karachi, Pakistan, December 2, 2006

• Tolerance, openness and understanding towards other peoples' cultures, social structures, values and faiths are now essential to the very survival of an interdependent world.
  • His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Speech at the Ceremony to Inaugurate the Restored Humayun's Tomb Gardens - New Delhi, India, April 15, 2003 (AKDN)

• We cannot make the world safe for democracy unless we also make the world safe for diversity
  • His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Address by His Highness the Aga Khan to the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, May 15, 2006 (AKDN)