The Universal

The concept of the Universal, often explored in philosophy and various intellectual disciplines, encompasses the timeless and fundamental principles, truths, or essences that transcend individual instances and contribute to our understanding of the world and our place within it.

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Fundamentals Transcends all societies

There are fundamental and timeless principles, truths, or essences that go beyond specific situations or details, representing standards or ideals that are objective and apply to everyone. These principles include ideas about right and wrong and how we ought to behave, how we reason and think, and the nature of reality. Truth for all of history, suggesting that they are important and relevant to all people, no matter where or when they lived.

It is timeless

The concept of the Universal has persisted throughout the ages, shaping our understanding of timeless truths and principles. In the past, philosophers like Plato and Parmenides delved into the nature of universals as eternal and transcendent forms. In the present, the Universal continues to guide our exploration of objective standards and fundamental realities. Looking to the future, the concept of the Universal will likely remain a subject of philosophical inquiry, providing a framework for seeking timeless truths that transcend individual perspectives and temporal boundaries.

"By the 'universal' I understand that which can be represented as contained in the representation of many things."
Immanuel kant
Philosopher
"The universal is that which is common to many, which is predicated of many, and which is present in many."
Thomas Aquinas
Philosopher

But if ignored

We descend to Hell

Ignoring universal values leads to moral decay and social division.

Unfortunately, in today’s society, morality and the concepts of right and wrong are often dismissed as mere religious dogmas, considered outdated and irrelevant to modern life. Some argue that morality is subjective, varying from person to person based on individual perspectives. This belief suggests that there is no universal definition of right conduct, leading to a loss of authenticity and inhibiting our pursuit of true happiness. However, this perspective is fundamentally flawed. To illustrate, imagine a world where everyone consistently made false promises for personal gain. Such a world would be akin to one where 2 + 1 equals 5. The very essence of making a promise would be negated, as widespread dishonesty would erode trust, rendering promises meaningless. In such a society, functioning as a cohesive unit would become nearly impossible, resulting in an uncomfortable and disordered existence.

Moral compasses cannot be ignored.

Universal values, such as Natural Law, serve as moral compasses that guide human behavior and provide a foundation for ethical decision-making. Ignoring these values can lead to a loss of moral clarity, resulting in a society where individuals and institutions operate without a shared understanding of right and wrong. This can lead to moral relativism, where personal preferences and subjective opinions dictate ethical choices, ultimately undermining the cohesion and stability of society, eventually underpin the recognition and protection of human dignity and rights. Ignoring these values can lead to a devaluation of human life, an erosion of individual freedoms, and the marginalization of vulnerable groups. Without the anchoring principles of Natural Law, societal norms and laws may become arbitrary and subject to the whims of those in power, potentially leading to oppression, injustice, and the violation of basic human rights.

The end result makes for an uncomfortable place to live.

One does not have to look further than the 20th century, a time where societal conflicts escalated to apocalyptic proportions. Millions upon millions were tossed into the caldrons that subjectivity prepared for them. Either they were killed by a strong minority that benefited particulars (Nazi Germany), or everyone in society suffered (and continue to) from social instability and illegitimacy of governance, which impedes institutions to effectively serve the needs of the people (many South American nations).

Without a moral foundation, societal progress may become detached from the principles that ensure long-term sustainability and the well-being of future generations.