universalizm

Universalizm, often rendered in English as universalism, is a term used across philosophy, theology, ethics and social theory to describe the belief that certain claims, norms or conditions hold universally—across cultures, contexts and times. The exact content of universalism varies by field, but the core idea is applicability to all beings or situations, rather than to a limited group or context.

In theology, universalism typically refers to the view that salvation, grace or spiritual reconciliation is available to all people. Christian universalism argues that divine mercy ultimately includes every soul, contrasting with particularist doctrines that emphasize selection or eternal damnation. Within broader religious and secular contexts, universalist approaches emphasize universal principles of love, justice or the ultimate harmony of creation. Modern strands include pluralist or liberal religious movements that stress inclusivity and universal reconciliations.

In ethics and moral philosophy, universalism denotes the idea that some moral principles are universally valid and actionable, regardless of culture or circumstance. This stands against ethical relativism. Prominent examples include Kantian universalism, which grounds moral duties in universalizable maxims, and various formulations of human rights that argue for protections deemed applicable to all people.

In social and political theory, universalism supports the idea that certain rights, duties or standards should apply globally. It often informs debates on human rights, global justice and education. Critics argue for cultural particularism or contextualism, warning that universal claims may overlook local diversity and power imbalances.

In science and other disciplines, universalism can refer to the search for universal laws, truths or patterns—whether in biology, linguistics, or epistemology—seeking explanations that hold across diverse phenomena.