Cosmopolitanism: an alternative to globalisation? Philosophical Reflections on a Kantian Theme

Abstract

This work analyzes the Kantian concept of cosmopolitanism as a way to overcome the economistic approach to globalization, which leads to polarization and confrontation. The distinctive feature of Kant's proposal lies in its aim to build a world order grounded in rational ethical principles, a need that remains pressing today. The analysis first reviews texts from the Stoic tradition, which emphasize the importance of a just distribution of goods and the shared commitment of citizens and rulers in civil life. It then examines Kant's formulation of cosmopolitanism. From this perspective, two contemporary interpretations of the concept are considered: Nussbaum's liberal‑utilitarian proposal and Cortina's liberal‑social approach. The study concludes that the liberal‑social perspective is more consistent with Kantian thought and better suited to current challenges, due to its appeal to civic commitment as an ideal for guiding institutional reforms and its lesser materialistic emphasis.