Cosmopolitanism and the humanist myopia

Abstract

In view of the tension between the great relevance of cosmopolitanism on the one hand and the worrisome practical situation of our planet on the other hand, the text argues that the cosmopolitan project is in need of new horizons of inspiration. In search for such a horizon, the text focuses on the relation between humanism and cosmopolitanism, in particular on the consequences for the cosmopolitan project of what the authors have termed the ‘humanist myopia’. This myopia springs from the belief that ‘deep down’ all human beings are primarily oriented towards benevolent, empathic and dialogical forms of bonding with others. This leads to a systematic neglect of the propensities of human beings for indifferent, malevolent and violent forms of relating to others. The study argues in favor of a critical humanism, holding on to a cosmopolitan vision of a more just and sustainable world society, but also critical with regard to the manifestations of the humanist myopia.