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universalism

universalism

1 7.5
The belief that certain ideas or rights apply to all people everywhere
  • noun
  • /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsəlɪzəm/
translation icon : universalismo
  • The conflict may be between a commitment to nationalism and a commitment to universalism.
  • universalism versus particularism
  • universalism and cultural pluralism
  • universalism of human rights

Examples

  • Engle Merry, for her part, urges us to view cultural specificity and universalism as relational.

    Academic text (2006)

  • In order to understand Shweder's relativism, it is important to understand what kind of universalism he is rebelling against.

    Academic text (1992)

  • And there is an emerging understanding of Universalism that makes a world of sense to me.

    Blog text (5)

  • As I reflect on the evolution of Universalism in the West, I find something rich and exciting.

    Blog text (5)

  • There is a problem of reconciling Poland's cultural heritage with European universalism.

    Academic text (1995)

  • Many social movements advocate for universalism, believing that human rights should apply to everyone regardless of their background.

  • The concept of universalism promotes the idea that certain values, such as equality and justice, are relevant to all people around the world.

  • Philosophers often debate the merits of universalism, discussing how universal truths can inform ethical decision-making across cultures.

Synonyms

universality
vsuniversalism
9 6.8

Being true or the same for everyone

asserts a belief that principles hold true for every person

Antonyms

relativism
  • Specialized
16 9.2

The idea that truth and moral rules depend on culture, society, or time

particularism
  • Specialized
1 9.6

A focus on one person, group, or interest instead of the whole

How Universal

universalism
1 7.5
relativism
  • Specialized
16 9.2
parochialism
1 9.6

Surface Forms

universalism singular
universalisms plural

Morphology

universalism = universal (transparent) = universal + ism

The noun is formed by adding '-ism' to 'universal' to indicate a belief or doctrine about universality, so the meaning is directly predictable.

Etymology

The word universalism comes from universal, with the part uni- meaning 'one' and like universe meaning 'one whole'. So universalism is the belief that some ideas or rights apply to 'everyone', and the origin reminds us it is meant to be 'for all'.