This study examines whether ethical norms - for example human rights - can be jusified universally or only particulary (for the values of a particular community). To achieve clarification, contributions are analyzed from Protestantism and from philosophy.

For years now, the question of the universality of human rights has been the subject of controversial discussion between the various cultures. The present study examines whether ethical norms, for example human rights, can be jusified universally or only particulary (for the values of a particular community). To achieve clarification, contributions are analyzed from Protestantism (inter alia W. Herrmann, E. Troeltsch, K. Barth and T. Rendtorff) and from philosophy (the tradition of natural law, R. Alexy, O. Hoffe). The author concludes that ethical norms are always grounded in a particular view humanity - for instance the Christian view, but at the aim for universal plausibility which is to be established in the discourse of world views.