Relatavism Vs Universalism

            
             There are many disputes in the world that date back from creation until today between relativism and universalism. Webster's College Dictionary defines relativism as, "a theory that knowledge is relative to the limited nature of the mind and the conditions of knowing and also as a view that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them" (566). Universalism is defined as a "theological doctrine that all human beings will eventually be saved", and also "the principles and practices of a liberal Christian denomination founded in the century originated to uphold belief in universal salvation and now united with Unitarianism" (712). Throughout this essay, the differences between relativism and universalism will be distinguished and I will express my views on which side my belief lies in.
             The debate between the beliefs of relativists and unversalists has been a never-ending problem in the world. The main question of the debate is whether the norms of human rights are universal in nature, or are relative to cultural or religious backgrounds. Universalists believe that everyone's values and morals are different; a person has the right to choose what he or she wants to believe, whereas relativists argue that a person's culture or religion makes the choice of the person's beliefs for them. Whichever culture or religion a person is involved in dictates the beliefs that they will follow. The universalists find that human rights are obvious and are formed within a person's dignity. They believe that human rights exist objectively, free from culture, religion, ideology, or value systems (Flynn 105). All universal arguments are generally against tradition and strongly favor modernization. In other words, they believe that there is always room for change in soci!.
             ety, and one's beliefs are never at a standstill. In universalism, a single person is considered a social unit, claiming undeniable rights.