Understanding the Debate Between Universalism and Relativism

Abstract

This chapter contextualises the conversation into which this book intervenes, engaging with current and historical debates between multiculturalism and relativism by way of justifying the necessity for a weak universalist position. It presents a gap in our collective understanding of cultural interactions and suggests that a weak universalism, able to both respect universal rights to be self-law giving, whilst recognising the important role for cultural, political and ideological difference is a necessary requirement for establishing just and fair cross-cultural dialogues.