Relativism vs. Universalism

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of "universality" in the human rights discourse by engaging in two basic tasks: linking the UNDHR to a specific political evolution and juxtaposing this evolution with a difFerent distinct Islamic tradition. The paper argues that, while the liberal tradition maintains "rights" as a construct that has evolved to be considered inalienable by virtue of an individual's humanity, the Islamic tradition asserts its own values and guidelines on human behavior as an outgrowth of an individual's duty to God and community. Yet, despite basic differences, the Issue is not one of achieving u n i v h in the discourse of rights, but rather in realizing that despite conceptual and ideological differences, the social and political destinations that each tradition arrives at are so consistent. that the conceptual differences are not in and of themselves sources of divisiveness or compromise in the quest to achieve universal standards.