Universalism and Human Rights in the 21st Century

This article will examine not only the issue of cultural relativism versus universal human rights, but it will also review the historical and intellectual content, the tradition of both western and non-western human rights and assess their commonalities and/or departures. Accordingly, relevant trends in decision making and conditioning factors will be identified (particularly in the post Cold-War era) and appraised in order to recognise and predict continued subscription to these theories as viable ethical structures. Finally, the conclusions will serve as a basis for prediction and be assessed in light of the value sets of human dignity.