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On Thursday, October 3, Prof. Nikos Papastergiadis will delve into this intersection of cosmopolitanism and cosmology in his seminar The Cosmos in Cosmopolitanism at the Greek Centre in Melbourne. Papastergiadis is one of Australia’s leading scholars on public cultures and cosmopolitan thought, and offers a holistic approach to understanding this ancient concept in today’s interconnected world.
Cosmopolitanism has long been understood as both a moral obligation to care for others and a political framework for expanding the rights of citizenship. Rooted in the idea that we all belong to a single, shared world, it also gestures toward the boundlessness of the cosmos, reminding us of our place in a universe that extends far beyond our immediate surroundings.
The concept, first developed by a group of philosophers in Athens who were themselves outsiders to the city, originally reached beyond the polis, or city-state, to encompass the entire cosmos. Over the centuries, cosmopolitanism has evolved. It has found resonance within religious doctrines, become intertwined with human rights, and been associated with the rise of mobility and communication technologies. Most recently, cosmopolitanism has expanded into cosmological theories, reuniting the idea of global citizenship with the vastness of the universe.
“Cosmopolitanism isn’t just about moral or political ideals—it’s also a creative capacity that all humans share” said Papastergiadis.
“Philosophers argue that we can extend our moral and political frameworks to embrace a cosmopolitan agenda and embrace the perspective of artists, who often claim that human creativity is linked to both our companionship with others and our connection to the cosmos.”
This dual connection, Papastergiadis argues, suggests that the separation of the cosmos and the polis, once widely accepted, is no longer tenable. Instead, the cosmos is once again becoming an integral part of how we understand ourselves as citizens of the world.
Papastergiadis challenges the notion that we are confined to specific regions or that truly open-ended hospitality is an impossible ideal.
“Cosmopolitanism is not just a moral or political aspiration, but also a creative force,” Papastergiadis said.
He believes that human beings possess an inherent ability to care, create, and connect across borders and cultures, making cosmopolitanism not only possible but essential in today’s globalized world.
Throughout his career, Papastergiadis has worked at the intersection of culture, communication, and identity. Currently the Director of the Research Unit in Public Cultures and a Professor at the University of Melbourne, he has authored numerous books, including Cosmopolitanism and Culture (2012).
His research has made him a leading voice in discussions of migration, identity, and the role of art in society. In addition to his academic work, Papastergiadis has collaborated with internationally renowned artists and provided strategic consultations to government agencies on cultural identity issues.
With more than two decades of experience, Papastergiadis has helped shape a new understanding of cosmopolitanism—one that includes not just the political and moral dimensions, but also the creative and cosmological aspects of what it means to be human.
As we face increasing global challenges, from migration crises to technological disruptions, the need for a renewed cosmopolitanism is more urgent than ever. Papastergiadis’s seminar offers an opportunity to explore how we might navigate these challenges by reconnecting with both our human companions and the cosmos itself.
When: Thursday, 3 October 2024, 7pm
Where: Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
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