Human Universals - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Human Universals: These are traits, behaviors, preferences, or aspects of culture found in every known human society, a subtle echo of our shared ancestry. Are they merely superficial similarities or do they reflect a deeper, more profound connection binding humanity? The notion of universal human traits has tantalized thinkers for centuries. While a formal, scientific study of human universals emerged later, glimpses of the concept can be seen in ancient philosophical texts. For example, some scholars point to Aristotle's reflections on human nature in Nicomachean Ethics (circa 350 B.C.E.) as an early, if implicit, exploration of shared human characteristics, such as the pursuit of happiness and the capacity for reason. The rise of exploration during the Renaissance, with its exposure to diverse cultures, further fueled curiosity about common threads running through humanity.
The modern study of human universals gained traction with the advent of anthropology and evolutionary psychology in the 20th century. Figures like Claude Levi-Strauss, with his structuralist approach, sought universal patterns in human thought and culture, while more recently, Donald Brown’s 1991 publication Human Universals provided an organized inventory of these commonalities. Beliefs about death, language, basic emotions, incest avoidance, and gift-giving emerge across disparate cultures. But what do these universals tell us about the very nature of being human? Are they genetically hardwired, or are they inevitable outcomes of social life? Consider, for example, music. While musical styles vary wildly, the creation and appreciation of music seem universal. Is music a mere cultural invention, or does it tap a fundamental human need?
Today, the study of human universals continues to inform fields ranging from psychology and anthropology to ethics and artificial intelligence. Understanding human universals is crucial not only for understanding our past but also for navigating our future. New interpretations are offered constantly, shaped by globalization and digital technology. As we build increasingly interconnected global communities, Human Universals urge us to ask: what binds us together, and what does that mean for the future of our species?