Benhabib spoke on the challenges ideas of world citizenship, or cosmopolitanism, meet in a Europe marked by crises, inequality, culture clash and euroscepticism.
Cosmopolitanism without illusions
Benhabib has concerned herself with issues related to multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism. In her latest book, Dignity in adversity (2011), she gives an answer to criticism that cosmopolitans are "dead souls" or universalist out of touch with ordinary citizens and their concerns.
So what is cosmopolitanism? Is there a basis for such a doctrine in the present situation where we on one side see the emergence of a narrow nationalism and xenophobia and on the other side a soulless and increasingly far-reaching neo-liberalism?
What is the relationship between democracy and cosmopolitanism? Benhabib emphasised the value of a cosmopolitanism without illusions, which actively relates itself to diversity and inequality and that is rooted in the notion of man as a moral being entitled to rights by virtue of being human.
Seyla Benhabib
Seyla Benhabib was born in Istanbul of Jewish parents, educated in Germany and currently works in the U.S.. She is the Eugene Meyer Professor of Political Science and Philosophy at Yale University, and was director of its Program in Ethics, Politics and Economics (2002-2008).
Benhabib is an internationally renowned philosopher and her books have been translated into ten languages. She has written numerous books on democracy and inequality, identity, loyalty and affiliation, gender, citizenship and immigration. As a philosopher, she has had influence both on critical theory, feminism and international political theory.
More information
The lecture was recorded and sent on NRK TV on 27 October 2012: Kunnskapskanalen: Verdensborgerskapets utfordringer i Europa.