universelles

Universelles is the feminine plural form of the French adjective universel, meaning universal or broadly applicable. It is used to modify feminine plural nouns, for example valeurs universelles (universal values) or lois universelles (universal laws). The term comes from the Latin universalis and shares cognates in many Romance languages.

In philosophy and ethics, universelles refers to concepts or norms considered to hold across all contexts or populations. Phrases such as droits universelles (universal rights) or valeurs universelles are common in discussions of human rights, cosmopolitan ethics, and debates about moral universality versus cultural relativity. In science and law, similar constructions appear as constantes universelles or principes universels, although the French word universelles is not a technical term by itself in most scientific or legal vocabularies; translations into English usually render it as universal or universal laws.

As a proper noun, Universelles may occur as a brand name, project title, or artistic work in French-language contexts. When capitalized as a noun, its meaning is determined by the specific entity behind the name, and it does not denote a single, internationally recognized organization or theory.

See also: universel, universalism, universal values, universal law.