Why Universalism?

Abstract

This essay argues that there are reasons why all groups, including feminists and those who are critical of forms of fundamentalism, need a perspective of universal humanity. Universalism is important because it is a view about the shared characteristics of all humans. It is particularly necessary to reiterate that there are such qualities in a world where ugly divisions between groups have once again become apparent. Universalism is also a normative perspective-a view that there are principles of justice that require that each person, whoever and wherever they are, is treated fairly and equally. With appropriate qualifications, I suggest that universal nature can be understood in terms of needs, or indeed of rights, so long as the limitations of the latter are appreciated. The essay responds to criticisms of a universalist perspective-from the post-modern to the view that universalism is invariably a false generalisation from a partial point of view. I suggest that sometimes these positions misrepresent universalism. At other times, though, they make better sense if they are construed as presupposing a universalist perspective.