Abstract

This work looks at the phenomenon of cosmopolitanism: the fears that it triggers, the contradictions inherent within in, the threats that befall it, the hopes that it nourishes, and the challenges that a cosmopolitan society brings with it. In this essay, Girschovich addresses over two millennia of cosmopolitan ideas. Looking at numerous ancient and modern sources--from literature, philosophy, music, and religion to contemporary popular culture--he investigates the origin of the term "cosmopolitan" along with different concepts of the cosmopolitan: from the Cynic Diogenes to the cocktail. At the same time, he shows us the philosophical path to a cosmopolitan future.