Injecting cosmopolitanism into the geography classroom

Abstract

Cosmopolitanism is an ethical, moral, and political philosophy with profound geographical implications. In extending circles of compassion to a worldwide scale, it encourages respect for difference, including the concerns of distant strangers. This essay outlines the precepts of cosmopolitanism, its historical development, and the challenges it poses to nationalism. It justifies teaching cosmopolitanism in geography courses based on the need for empathetic understanding in an age of intense globalization. It offers strategies for teaching cosmopolitanism that seek to challenge students' geographical imaginations, including the author's experiences. The conclusion links teaching cosmopolitanism to geographies of care and caring.

Keywords::

• cosmopolitanism
• empathy
• globalization
• citizenship
• affect
• caring

Acknowledgements

The author thanks several anonymous reviewers and the editors for their insightful and constructive criticisms.