Pragmatic universalism – A basis of coexistence of multiple diversities

Abstract

The authors examine the paradigms hitherto employed to understand and regulate relations between minorities and majority: universalism, multiculturalism/differentialism and interculturalism. These theories are referring to an idea of original purity rooted in a classificatory logic that ultimately inhibits positive coexistence. The complexities of belonging and practices of translation underscore the inadequacy of these theories. The authors propose a new road to universalism based on the transindividual perspective, which sees individuals as continuous processes of individualisation, modifying holistic perspectives on society. This allows for a dialectic approach to universalism and diversity. Universalism loses its abstract-dogmatic aspect and becomes a historico-pragmatic concept.