New Universalism: Categorization of Terms and Paradigm of Approaches

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to analyze universals from the paradigmatic and interdisciplinary points of view. The authors give their own concept of universalism, based on the epistemological approach and backed by history, philosophy, and cultural studies. Undoubtedly, universals reflect an image of a person of a historically definite type of culture. They represent a person’s place in the world, social relations and spiritual life. These parameters are changeable, but at the same time they can be permanent. The article shows the categorization of the concept of universalism and underlines the variety of its use. Universals are not the same in different cultures, but they are classified on the similar basis. The authors name this principle of classification a general denominator of cultures, which includes ideology, values, symbols, and meanings. Universals vary in their content, but have the same form in various cultures. The authors of the article argue that the border between “universals of culture” and “universals of civilization” is unstable and determined by a situation. The article proves the thesis that the system of universals is not closed. Due to the development and the processes of person’s adaptation to the reality, some universals disappear; others emerge. The authors believe that there are also eternal, permanent universals, which express the main needs of a person.