Technology seems to have realized what the ancient political idea of cosmopolitanism once hoped for: being a citizen of the world. Technology has made communication and movement across borders possible and easy. This promotes common experiences. But has technology really provided cosmopolitanism with the right material condition? Or has it created nothing but a cosmopolitan illusion?
Learning objective
Students will be introduced to cosmopolitan theories and philosophical reflections on technological innovations. They will participate in discussions, gain and sharpen their ability to understand complicated texts, identify arguments as well as analyse facts and form judgments.
Content
Philosophers have had different conceptions about being a citizen of the world. Diogenes did not identify with the then dominant homogenous group identity Hellenic, but instead claimed to be a citizen of the world, whereas Kant openly advocated universal hospitality and cosmopolitan rights during Europe’s colonial expansion (some researchers think Kant only advocated the European version of cosmopolitanism, but this is not part of our discussion). Cosmopolitanism sounds good on the surface, but to understand, respect and even love people who are different from “us” is easier said than done. In that sense, cosmopolitanism seems too good to be true. However, as technology has developed at an ever-faster pace and become more widespread, it has narrowed the geographical, cultural and linguistic gaps and has also enhanced global connections in many aspects. Thanks to technology people in far-away places speaking different languages can exchange their views easily and quickly. They can also conveniently travel to formerly remote places, learn new things and broaden their horizons. For cosmopolitanism, all these appear to be steps in a promising direction, because they seem to provide the right material condition for cultivating the ability to understand, respect and even love those who are different from “us”. But is it so? Has technology put an end to borders of various kinds or only created an illusion of doing so?
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course