EN
The contribution deals with defining the phenomenon of culture and its concept from the perspectives of philosophy as well as special sciences. With regard to the philosophical approach to culture and the tension between particularism and universalism it focuses on culture/human nature relationship and the role these concepts play in social cognition. Due to contemporary global conflicts and the abandonment of the idea of progress the concept of culture becomes central and highly relevant as a mediator in the resolution of conflicts, especially those, in which the acknowledgment and respect are the problems at issue.