particularist

The term particularist can refer to a person who adheres to particularism in philosophy, anthropology, or jurisprudence, or to doctrines in those fields that emphasize context-specific considerations over general rules.

In ethics, moral particularism is the view that there are no exceptionless or overarching moral principles from which all correct conclusions can be derived. Moral judgment should be guided by the particulars of each case rather than by applying general rules. Jonathan Dancy is a central figure in this view. Proponents argue that it aligns with everyday moral reasoning, while critics worry about potential inconsistency and a lack of clear guidance.

In anthropology, historical or cultural particularism stresses understanding cultures on their own terms and resisting the application of universal laws of cultural development. This approach is associated with Franz Boas and his emphasis on fieldwork, descriptive ethnography, and cultural relativism; Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead helped popularize related ideas. Although strict forms of cultural particularism have waned, the perspective has significantly shaped how scholars study culture and comparison.

In law and political theory, particularism can describe approaches that emphasize case-specific factors and local context in interpretation and policy, rather than universal principles or rigid rules. This contrasts with universalist or rule-based approaches in constitutional interpretation and international law, where officials seek general norms but must weigh the particulars of each situation.