Appiah Summary: Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers

Mary-Vaughan Spruill

The theory of cosmopolitanism is based on being open-minded of

the world and those around us, People are different, the cosmopolitan
knows, and there is much to learn from our differences (p. xv). In the
book, Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers, Appiah
discusses the ins and outs of the theory of cosmopolitanism and why
this theory is so important, especially with the controversies taking
place between the people and cultures of our world.
Appiah states that there are two strands which intertwine in
cosmopolitanism; one, being the obligation to others, meaning,
stretching past those who you are directly related to, by kith and kind
(p. xv), to better understand people that may be different than us in
this world. The second obligation is values, not just of human life, but
also in practices and beliefs (p. xv). The ultimate goal of Appiahs
theory of cosmopolitanism, is to see the world as a place where people
can be different and are diverse, but with these differences, live
together peacefully, with understanding-open mindedness, and respect
for these differences, By the end, I hope to have made it harder to
think of the world as divided between the West and the Rest; between
locals and moderns; between a blood-less ethic of profit and a bloody
ethic of identity; between us and them (p. xxi).
Throughout the book, Appiah discusses beliefs, morals, and
values and how the people of the world must attempt to understand
the beliefs, morals, and values of others or at least agree to disagree
rather than shutting others down. There is no, one right culture,
religion, or set of people, The temptation is to look for a rule book that
could tell you how to arbitrate conflicts like that-but then youd have to
agree on the rule book (p.11).
In chapter one, Appiah discusses morality and the reasoning
behind why people are who they are, act how they act, or believe what
they believe. People will do what they believe is right, they may not
understand others beliefs, but it is important to attempt to accept the
fact they have those beliefs; Perhaps, even if we agree on all the
facts, whats morally appropriate for me to do from my point of view is
different from whats morally appropriate for you to do from your point
of view (p. 11). Appiah discusses values and beliefs, which tie into
morality in the sense that, similar to morality, people have values and
beliefs that drive their lives. Once again, others may not necessarily
agree with certain values and beliefs, but without understanding or
acceptance, we cannot peacefully live in a shared world.
Stemming from that, Appiah then begins to discuss how values
play into identity and culture and how this leads to cultural conflict.
Because our world is so diverse, many do not understand or have an
open mind to other cultures. In the end this causes conflict; Appiah
states, It is, in part, because we have shared horizons of meaning,
because there are debates between people who share so many other
values and so much else in the way of belief and habit, that they are as
sharp and painful as they are (p. 81). Meaning, our cultural identity is
similar in the sense that many of us believe in the same big picture
aspects. For example, there is a higher power, but not all believe in
the same higher power; therefore, our shared horizons or big
pictures may lead to conflict. This brings us back to the cosmopolitan
belief of the necessity of agreeing to disagree while still accepting
diversity.
Ones identity and culture make them who they are as a person.
Appiahs definition of identity begins with his story of how he became
who he is and some of the life events and cultural aspects that shaped
him. In our world, we can travel to foreign places where we may not
speak the native language or truly understand the culture, but we are
able to relate to the people in some way. Appiah speaks about identity
in a comparison to colors. There are basic beliefs every culture has,
such a marriage, mortality, religion, etc., which he symbolizes as black
and white. With these basic beliefs, comes the color, the details or
specific beliefs that apply to ones culture. Marriage may not be the
same in one culture or another because of beliefs, but the idea of
marriage still exists. Connecting identity to cosmopolitanism, ones
identity most likely will be unalike to many, but with open-mindedness,
we can connect to almost anyone in some sense, But the great lesson
of anthropology is that when the stranger is no longer imaginary, but
real and present, sharing a human social life, you may like or dislike
him, you may agree or disagree, but, if it is what you both want, you
can make sense of each other in the end (p. 99)
The identity and culture of people aids in connections made
around the world, which, is defined in cosmopolitanism as global
community. We live in a world with shared big pictures, other likes
and dislikes, such as literature, art, films, sports, etc. This is evident
when traveling, one will most likely see something from their culture
found elsewhere in the world; Appiah writes about this and refers to it
as cosmopolitan contamination. The spread of culture leads to the
acceptance of the new and connects us throughout the world.
Willingness to share and accept this spread of culture contamination
weaves into the theory of cosmopolitanism; the belief that we can
learn from our differences and the belief that we are intertwined with
our values and in understanding others.
In chapter ten, Appiah asks the question, So how much do we
really owe to strangers? (p. 158). The theory of cosmopolitanism is
interesting to me, because I do believe we can find peace in our world
by being more open-minded and appreciate having the ability to learn
from the world around us. To create a functioning and strong global
community, we must be open-minded, accepting of those around us,
and interested to learn from the world around us. With all of the
negative happenings of this world, the theory of cosmopolitanism
seems like it would be constructive.
While I do agree with many of the components of this theory and
see glimpses of them in the world, I do think it is a stretch to think that
all people and cultures would or could ever be open-minded enough to
prevent hurt, violence, and conflict in the world around us. There are
also many aspects of life we cannot control, such as, natural disasters,
death, accidents, disease, etc. that I believe lead to a disconnect
between people and cultures. These uncontrollable aspects, at times,
do connect us, in the sense of aid or compassion for others; we care
but as Appiah says, We think the death of a child is a very bad thing,
but clearly we dont think its the only thing that matters (p. 165).
This being said, the world may have cosmopolitan tendencies, but
could humans evolve to this cosmopolitan way of being in every
sense? I personally do not feel it is in human nature.
The theory of cosmopolitanism contains many strong ideals;
most of which I do agree are and would be beneficial to our world. As a
teacher, I realize the importance of community and how essential it is
to create an environment where students feel safe, accept others, are
eager to learn, and have respect for the other members of the
community. Students come from diverse backgrounds and home lives,
but as a classroom community, we come together. In the classroom, I
make it a point to help my students understand that we may all be
different, but we can learn from one another and accept one another.
As a global community, it may not be possible to reach every human or
reach all aspects of the cosmopolitan theory, but it is possible to apply
these concepts in ones own life in an attempt to better our world.