Document Type

Video

Publication Date

9-21-2012

Keywords

Cosmopolitanism; Plato; Philosophy--History

Abstract

Detlef von Daniels, Lecturer, University of Witten/Herdecke, speaks on the history of philosophy noting that "liberal cosmopolitanism appears to be always one step ahead of any criticism, a step ahead of historical assessments, since it is directed towards the future, a step ahead of 'realist' challenges since it is ideal, and a step ahead of 'metaphysical' criticism since it is pragmatic, and thus non-metaphysical." He explores the thesis that philosophy began with similar pragmatic sentiments and while Plato established philosophy as a specific kind of inquiry he become in effect the first anti-cosmopolitan philosopher. He argues that "Plato does not just present an 'anti-cosmopolitan argument' to weigh the pros and cons of cosmopolitanism but instead, through his dialogues, demonstrates that this kind of debate – though a necessary beginning – is insufficient ('sophistic') and must be overcome."

Respondent: Michael Giudice, York University.

Comments

Presented by Jack & Mae Nathanson Centre on Transnational Human Rights, Crime, and Security, Ontario Legal Philosophy Partnership and Osgoode Hall Law School.

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