Glossary / Lexicon

Universalism refers to the belief that there are universal truths about ourselves and about the physical world in general that can be discovered by anyone using the proper methods of inquiry.

In psychology, universalism refers to the belief or idea that there are certain fundamental values, principles, or truths that apply to all human beings regardless of their cultural or individual differences. This concept emphasizes the shared humanity and commonalities that exist among people, rather than focusing on differences.

Here are some examples of universalism in psychology:

1. Human rights: The concept of universal human rights is based on the idea that there are certain basic rights that all individuals are entitled to, regardless of their culture, religion, or nationality. This includes rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, and freedom from discrimination.

2. Emotional expression: Research has shown that there are certain emotions that are universally recognized and expressed across cultures, such as happiness, sadness, fear, and anger. This suggests that there may be some underlying biological or evolutionary basis for these emotions.

3. Moral values: While moral values can vary across cultures, there are certain principles that are widely accepted across different societies, such as honesty, fairness, and compassion. This suggests that there may be some universal moral principles that are shared across cultures.

4. Personality traits: While cultural differences can influence the expression and manifestation of personality traits, there are certain traits that are found across cultures, such as extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.

Overall, the concept of universalism highlights the shared experiences and commonalities that exist among people, and can help to promote empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity.