universal A philosophical term referring to any possible attribute of more than one particular. redness, for example, is the universal common to all red things. The question arises whether the general term naming a universal refers to an entity that exists independently of thought or is merely a principle of classification. See also idealism, realism, conceptualism, and nominalism. Related category • PHILOSOPHY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |