Abstract

Joseph Raz affirms that values are universal, in spite of the common position that evalutative properties are historically and socially dependent. Raz believes that a correct understanding of the universality of value depends on the reconciliation of it with a specular correct understanding of the real diversity of value. But diversity arises out of partiality. Is then partiality in itself incompatible with the universality of value? In the last chapter of his book Raz finds a possible solution to this problem in the doctrine of respect, which explains the contours and limits of partiality.