Research Paper on:
Perspectives on Universality

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
yet also seems to insist that all people be the same in some respects. It is a reality that can be seen in all aspects of society and all throughout  history in many various cultures. Bearing in mind the complexity of the topic, we present the following paper which examines some of the global and historical perspectives concerning universality. The  paper then discusses where we are today, and where we could be in the future in terms of universality. Historical and Global Outlook "The concept of nation, as  with all concepts that define any human community, is based on a fundamental contradiction, which opposes universality -- of the human species, of its destiny, of its societal forms --  to the particularity of the communities that make up humanity" (Amin, 1997; p. 8). As is commonly understood, the entire notion of universality has a history, for humanity itself "did  not immediately reach the level of abstraction necessary for the elaboration of universal humanism. Ethnic groups, tribes, clans -- how they are called matters little -- have long experienced themselves  as distinct from one another, to the degree of eliminating any concrete or effective social dimension from their commonality as human beings" (Amin, 1997; p. 8). In many  ways we experience, and have experienced, growth of cultures through diversity, which provides us with a unique and perhaps enlightening way of seeing other people. But, as history has progressed  the world seems to find it desirable, or even necessary, to seek out a sort of universality. However, seeking out universality has not always been successful, or even beneficial. "The  circumstances of tributary societies did not allow it, and humanity reorganized itself into large tributary areas coalesced around their religions -- each one with its own, individual universal philosophy (Christendom,