In ethics, the words “universal,” “general,” and “particular” are used in three entirely different contexts. First, there is the issue of cultural difference. Some people say, “Morality is universal,” meaning that the same rules or judgments ought to apply to members of any culture. Their opponents reply that at least some moral principles are particular to cultures (they only bind people who come from some backgrounds).
Meanwhile, some people say, “Obligations are universal,” meaning that we have the same duties to all human beings. For instance, perhaps we are required to maximize everyone?s happiness, to the best of our ability, not favoring some over others. Opponents of this kind of universalism reply that we have stronger obligations in particular people, such as our own children or compatriots. (See, for example, this good article by blogger and public intellectual Amitai Etzioni.)
Finally, some people say, “What is right to do in a particular case is shown by the correct application of a general or universal moral rule.” Their opponents reply that we can and should decide what to do by looking carefully at all the features of each particular case. They agree that there is a right or wrong thing to do in each circumstance; but general rules and principles are unreliable guides to action. Any rule or principle that makes one situation good may make another one bad.