Cosmopolitanism in Literature & Literary Theory

Cosmopolitanism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

Cosmopolitanism derives from the combination of two Greek words: “kosmos,” meaning world or universe, and “polis,” referring to a city or community. The term has evolved over time to encapsulate the idea of a worldview that transcends local or national boundaries, emphasizing a sense of belonging to a global community.

Meanings and Concept:

• Global Citizenship: Cosmopolitanism promotes the idea of individuals considering themselves as citizens of the world, recognizing shared humanity and responsibilities beyond national affiliations.
• Cultural Pluralism: Embracing cultural diversity and respecting different traditions, cosmopolitanism encourages an appreciation for various perspectives, fostering mutual understanding.
• Universal Morality: Central to cosmopolitanism is the belief in universal moral principles that apply to all individuals, irrespective of cultural, geographical, or political differences.
• Openness to Difference: Cosmopolitanism values openness to different ideas, experiences, and ways of life, promoting dialogue and collaboration across diverse backgrounds.
• Rejection of Parochialism: Opposing narrow-mindedness or parochial attitudes, cosmopolitanism encourages a broader and more inclusive outlook, challenging ethnocentrism.
• Global Justice: Cosmopolitanism advocates for a just and equitable global order, addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and human rights on a worldwide scale.
• Transnationalism: The concept acknowledges the interconnectedness of societies, economies, and cultures, emphasizing the need for transnational cooperation to address global challenges.
• Ethical Responsibility: Individuals, as cosmopolitans, are seen as having an ethical responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the global community and promote a sustainable and inclusive world.
• Political Implications: Cosmopolitanism has political implications, envisioning a world where governance transcends national interests, fostering collaboration and shared decision-making on global issues.
• Intellectual and Artistic Exchange: Encouraging intellectual and artistic exchange across borders, cosmopolitanism celebrates the richness of diverse contributions to human culture and knowledge.

Cosmopolitanism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Cosmopolitanism is a theoretical concept that advocates for a global perspective, emphasizing a sense of shared humanity and interconnectedness beyond national boundaries. It promotes cultural pluralism, universal moral principles, and the idea of individuals as global citizens with ethical responsibilities to contribute to a more just and inclusive world. In essence, cosmopolitanism challenges parochial attitudes, encouraging openness to difference and fostering transnational cooperation for addressing global challenges.

Cosmopolitanism: Theorists, Works and Argument

Theorists:

• Immanuel Kant: His work, Perpetual Peace, laid the groundwork for cosmopolitan ideas, arguing for a global federation of states to ensure lasting peace.
• Martha Nussbaum: In Upheavals of Thought, Nussbaum explores the capabilities approach, linking cosmopolitanism with human flourishing and the importance of global empathy.
• Kwame Anthony Appiah: Appiah, in Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers, discusses the ethics of universal concern and the challenges of living ethically in a globalized world.

Works:

• “Perpetual Peace” (1795) by Immanuel Kant: Kant’s seminal essay outlines the idea of a global political order to prevent wars, presenting a foundational text for cosmopolitan thought.
• “Upheavals of Thought” (2001) by Martha Nussbaum: Nussbaum examines the philosophical underpinnings of cosmopolitanism, connecting it to capabilities and emotions essential for ethical living.
• “Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers” (2006) by Kwame Anthony Appiah: Appiah explores the ethical considerations of interconnectedness, arguing for a cosmopolitan worldview that transcends cultural and national boundaries.

Arguments:

• Global Citizenship: Cosmopolitanism posits the idea of individuals considering themselves as global citizens, transcending national affiliations and recognizing a shared human identity.
• Cultural Pluralism: Advocating for the appreciation of diverse cultures, cosmopolitanism emphasizes cultural pluralism as a means of fostering understanding and harmony among global citizens.
• Universal Morality: Central to cosmopolitan thought is the belief in universal moral principles applicable to all individuals, emphasizing a shared ethical responsibility toward humanity.
• Ethical Responsibility: Cosmopolitanism argues that individuals, as global citizens, have an ethical responsibility to contribute to global justice, sustainability, and the well-being of the worldwide community.

Cosmopolitanism: Major Characteristics

• Global Perspective: Cosmopolitanism emphasizes a worldview that transcends local or national boundaries, promoting a global perspective that recognizes interconnectedness and shared humanity.
• Cultural Pluralism: The concept encourages the appreciation and acceptance of cultural diversity, fostering an understanding that different traditions and perspectives contribute to the richness of the global community.
• Universal Morality: Cosmopolitanism posits the existence of universal moral principles that apply to all individuals, irrespective of cultural, geographical, or political differences.
• Global Citizenship: Individuals are encouraged to consider themselves as citizens of the world, with a sense of belonging to a global community and an awareness of their ethical responsibilities beyond national affiliations.
• Openness to Difference: Cosmopolitanism values an open and inclusive attitude toward different ideas, experiences, and ways of life, promoting dialogue and collaboration across diverse backgrounds.
• Ethical Responsibility: Individuals, as cosmopolitans, are seen as having an ethical responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the global community and address issues such as poverty, inequality, and human rights on a worldwide scale.
• Transnational Cooperation: Recognizing the interconnectedness of societies, economies, and cultures, cosmopolitanism advocates for transnational cooperation to address global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality.
• Political Implications: Cosmopolitanism has political implications, envisioning a world where governance transcends national interests and fosters collaboration and shared decision-making on global issues.
• Intellectual and Artistic Exchange: The concept encourages intellectual and artistic exchange across borders, celebrating the diversity of contributions to human culture and knowledge from different parts of the world.
• Human Flourishing: Cosmopolitanism is often linked to the idea of human flourishing, suggesting that a global perspective and interconnectedness contribute to the well-being and fulfillment of individuals on a worldwide scale.

Cosmopolitanism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Cosmopolitanism
Postcolonialism	Cosmopolitanism can be explored in postcolonial literature as a response to colonial legacies, fostering a global awareness and transcending cultural boundaries.
Feminist Theory	In feminist literary analysis, cosmopolitanism may be relevant in examining how it challenges traditional gender roles and promotes a global sisterhood, emphasizing shared experiences across diverse cultures.
Marxist Criticism	Cosmopolitanism intersects with Marxist criticism by addressing global economic disparities, advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources, and critiquing the impact of capitalism on a global scale.
Postmodernism	In postmodern literature, cosmopolitanism can manifest as an exploration of cultural hybridity, the dissolution of fixed identities, and a celebration of diverse perspectives in a globalized world.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Cosmopolitanism may be analyzed psychoanalytically, exploring how the global self-image and identity formation are influenced by cultural interactions, migration, and the negotiation of different cultural norms.
Cultural Studies	In cultural studies, cosmopolitanism is relevant in examining how literature reflects and contributes to cultural exchanges, challenging ethnocentrism, and fostering an understanding of global interconnectedness.
Ecocriticism	Cosmopolitanism in ecocriticism may focus on literature that addresses global environmental issues, promoting a sense of planetary responsibility and emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human societies.
Narratology	In narratology, cosmopolitanism can be explored in narratives that transcend national or cultural boundaries, presenting characters with global identities and experiences that contribute to a more inclusive narrative structure.
Queer Theory	Cosmopolitanism may be relevant in queer literature by examining how it navigates global LGBTQ+ experiences, challenges heteronormativity across cultures, and fosters a sense of solidarity among diverse queer communities worldwide.
Critical Race Theory	Cosmopolitanism intersects with critical race theory in literature by addressing issues of racial identity, discrimination, and the impact of globalization on racialized communities, fostering a dialogue about global racial justice.

Note: The relevance of cosmopolitanism in literary theories can vary depending on the specific context of the literary work and the theoretical lens applied. Different literary theories may emphasize different aspects of cosmopolitanism, leading to diverse interpretations.

Cosmopolitanism: Application in Critiques

1. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe:
   • Application: Achebe’s novel can be critiqued through a cosmopolitan lens, highlighting how the clash between traditional Igbo society and colonial forces illustrates the challenges and complexities of cultural encounters. The narrative prompts readers to question the consequences of cultural imposition and reflects cosmopolitan themes of understanding and navigating diverse perspectives.
2. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri:
   • Application: Lahiri’s work can be critiqued for its exploration of the immigrant experience and the protagonist’s journey toward cultural identity. Through the lens of cosmopolitanism, the novel invites readers to consider the interconnectedness of individual stories within a global context, emphasizing shared human experiences across cultural boundaries.
3. The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid:
   • Application: Hamid’s novel can be critiqued through a cosmopolitan perspective, addressing themes of identity, cultural tensions, and global citizenship. The protagonist’s internal conflict reflects the complexities of living in a globalized world, prompting readers to contemplate the challenges of embracing multiple cultural affiliations and navigating the geopolitical landscape.
4. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy:
   • Application: Roy’s novel can be critiqued through a cosmopolitan lens, examining how the characters’ experiences are shaped by societal norms, cultural expectations, and historical forces. The narrative prompts readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of personal and global histories, illustrating cosmopolitan themes of cultural pluralism and the impact of broader social structures on individual lives.

Note: These applications are interpretative and hypothetical, meant to illustrate how the concept of cosmopolitanism could be applied to analyze and critique various aspects of these literary works. Actual critiques may vary based on individual interpretations and perspectives.

Cosmopolitanism: Relevant Terms

Terms	Brief Description
Globalism	Emphasizes interconnectedness and interdependence on a global scale.
Internationalism	Advocates cooperation and collaboration among nations for common goals.
Multiculturalism	Acknowledges and celebrates cultural diversity within a society.
Global Citizenship	Encourages individuals to identify as citizens of the world with shared responsibilities.
Transnationalism	Involves activities and perspectives that transcend national boundaries.
Universalism	Asserts the existence of universal principles or values applicable to all.
Humanitarianism	Advocates for the well-being and rights of all humans, transcending national affiliations.
Inclusivity	Promotes the idea of including diverse perspectives, cultures, and identities.
Worldliness	Embraces a broad awareness of global affairs and cultural influences.
Eclecticism	Draws from diverse sources, ideas, or cultures, reflecting a cosmopolitan approach.

Cosmopolitanism: Suggested Readings

1. Appiah, Kwame Anthony. Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers. W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.
2. Beck, Ulrich. Cosmopolitan Vision. Polity Press, 2006.
3. Benhabib, Seyla. The Rights of Others: Aliens, Residents, and Citizens. Cambridge University Press, 2004.
4. Nussbaum, Martha C. Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions. Cambridge University Press, 2001.
5. Povinelli, Elizabeth A. Economies of Abandonment: Social Belonging and Endurance in Late Liberalism. Duke University Press, 2011.
6. Robbins, Bruce. Feeling Global: Internationalism in Distress. New York University Press, 1999.
7. Sassen, Saskia. Territory, Authority, Rights: From Medieval to Global Assemblages. Princeton University Press, 2006.
8. Vertovec, Steven, and Robin Cohen (Eds.). Conceiving Cosmopolitanism: Theory, Context, and Practice. Oxford University Press, 2002.
9. Wimmer, Andreas, and Nina Glick Schiller. Methodological Nationalism and Beyond: Nation-State Building, Migration, and the Social Sciences. Routledge, 2002.