Maarif, Ahmad Syafii, 1935-2019-09-252019-09-252014-05-3120149782940428694http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12424/207683But this anti-pluralism policy could not last long, because it undermines human rights of freedom of conscience and expression that are perennial in nature. Pluralism is found not only in religions but also in socio-political and cultural expressions. To deny this fact means to deny reality. The one who denies reality is the one who tries to live in a cultural illusive void. Even democracy has different forms, and liberal democracy is only one form as practised in Western Europe, or particularly in the USA. The democratic political system basically recognizes the principle of diversity, not unity, in its implementation in different parts of the world. Therefore, those who want to impose a system of Western liberal democracy as the only choice for all nations are no doubt anti-democratic, since democracy gives freedom to all people to adjust and articulate the rule of the people in accordance with the reality of their socio-cultural environments. True democracy always tolerates plurality.Pages:83-87engCreative Commons Copyright (CC 2.5)PluralityHistoryDiversityGlobal ethicsPolitical ethicsEconomic ethicsCultural ethicsMethods of ethicsBioethicsCommunity ethicsSocial ethicsSexual orientation/genderEnvironmental ethicsBook chapter