Moral universalism
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Moral universalism is the meta-ethical position that some system of ethics applies universally, that is to all people regardless of culture, race, sex, religion, nationality, sexuality, or other distinguishing feature. The source or justification of this system may be thought to be, for instance, human nature, shared vulnerability to suffering, the demands of universal reason, what is common among existing moral codes, or the commands of God. It is the opposing position to various forms of moral relativism.
[edit] History
An enormous range of traditions and thinkers have supported one form or another of moral universalism, from the ancient Platonists and Stoics, through Christians, to modern Kantian, human rights and utilitarian thinkers. The UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an example of moral universalism in practice.
