Cultural Relativism and Cultural Universalism

Abstract Universalism and relativism in intercultural communication announce a dispute over first principles that yield differentethical assumptions. First principles matter; they shape action and perception. Intercultural communication theory and practice articulates these opposing coordinates. Arguments about ethical beginnings of universalism and relativism find no ultimate end; the contending of originative background positions invites the pragmatic necessity of dialogue. Relativism and universalism, understood as ethical positions, offer different starting points. Relativism begins with descriptions of the particular; universalism assumes an undisputed a priori standard of judgment.