The cosmopolitanism is an ideology which states that human beings entirely belong to the same community. In this way, for example, in politics, it is stated that all people have the same considerations and the same respect regardless of their place of origin, citizenship or status.
The first postulants of cosmopolitanism date back to Ancient Greece with the school of Stoicism and the Cynic school. Hence the concept of "cosmopolitan" or "world citizen" was born as a way of establishing that a person cannot be defined by their city of origin. In this way, they opposed the traditional custom of Greek men regarding the division of people according to their origin.
A cosmopolitan recognizes himself as a citizen of the world
Image by stokpic from Pixabay
Cosmopolitanism also refers to an accumulation of ideas and schools of thought that are oriented in the search for the natural order of the universe, which is often referred to as "cosmos."
It is loaded with a political and philosophical morality that places the individual as a member of the world and not as a private citizen of a nation. In this way, cosmopolitanism is opposed to the roots of a person in a certain place, a specific custom or a single culture.
Origins of cosmopolitanism
The history of the cosmopolitan ideal comes from the Greeks. At first, ancient cultures identified men as citizens linked to a specific “polis” or city. This identification demarcated to which institutions and group of people he owed his loyalty.
It was during the 4th century BC. C. when Diogenes of Sinope, also called "the cynic", gave a more explicit form to the concept of "cosmopolitanism", calling himself "citizen of the world". Identifying in this way not only posed an ideology, but an opposition to loyalty and the service of a city.
On the other hand, the Stoics of this time also opposed the traditional distinction between Greeks and barbarians. Being cosmopolitan was referring to establishing that the cosmos was a kind of true polis to which they belonged. The whole world as a single city-state.
Being cosmopolitan also implied a different behavior. Within Stoicism certain principles were implemented to follow such as extended acts of kindness even for slaves or enemies.
The exhortation of self-love also arises, as the beginning of a cycle that starts from the being to reach other circles such as family, friends and, as the ultimate goal, humanity.
The idea of the Stoics regarding cosmopolitanism spread through time, being a great persuasive element within the conformation of the Greco-Roman world. It also served as a great contribution to the connections between cities that allowed the cohesion of political power in the Roman Empire.
Kant's Cosmopolitanism
The trace of cosmopolitanism remained visible during the Enlightenment and was a relevant element for Western culture. Among the great reflections on the subject, are Kant's conceptions of the universal order.
Immanuel Kant, one of the most influential philosophers of the Enlightenment, raised an idea of cosmopolitanism that refers to the establishment of a matrix where all the capacities inherent to the human being can be developed. Said matrix can be seen as a global environment where each person can cultivate their capacities.
Profile portrait of Immanuel Kant
nach Veit Hans Schnorr
Kant also discussed agreements between nations. In some of his works such as the Metaphysics of Customs or Idea for a history from the cosmopolitan point of view, many of his ideas are reflected on the subject.
Kant spoke from the thought that in a "natural state", the particular desires of each individual are capable of generating conflicts. However, it relies on the use of "reason" as the way to establish order and above all the development of morality as one of the most important capacities.
Within his works, Kant also describes some ideas that govern or orient the human towards the cosmopolitan ideal, "act in such a way that the maxim of your will can, at the same time, always be valid as the principle of universal legislation."
Although Kant does not ensure that the fulfillments of his ideas are followed to perfection, he values the constant search for progress. This attitude of perseverance is seen as "virtue" and figures as the highest goal that can be achieved through the use and practice of reason.
In this way, the cosmopolitan can be seen as an imperfect being but capable of recognizing himself in his mistakes and, at the same time, in his attempt to comply with the principles of universality that being a "citizen of the world" deserves.
Cosmopolitan society and globalization
Currently, globalization has brought with it an increase in human relations, taking it to transnational levels. In this way, humanity is more connected in a world where local and global culture are closer. It is here that cosmopolitan thinking can be related to the current trend towards the global.
A cosmopolitan society relies on morality, shared economic relationships, and political systems that are capable of including different nations. Thus, within a cosmopolis, individuals from different backgrounds can establish relationships of equality and mutual respect.
Within Stoic thought, the idea of the "cosmopolitan" is related to two aspects: identity and responsibility. Regarding identity, the cosmopolitan is referred to as a person who is influenced by a wide range of cultures.
On the other hand, the idea of responsibility starts from the fact that the individual acts as a member of the global society of human beings and every action comes from his responsibility towards others.
Following Kant's ideas, for the conformation of a society oriented towards cosmopolitanism, education appears as the fundamental basis. He also assured that education is one of the main problematic elements for man, but it is the only way in which the human being can "be".
References
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