Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Universal truths are fundamental principles or ideas that apply across different cultures, societies, or time periods. They represent timeless concepts that are considered to be universally valid.
Related terms
Ethics: Moral principles that govern behavior and decision-making based on what is considered right or wrong.
Cultural Relativism: The belief that cultural norms and values should be understood within their own context rather than judged against universal standards.
Human Rights: Basic rights inherent to all individuals regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc., such as freedom of speech or equality before the law.