A Post-Western Account of Critical Cosmopolitan Social Theory

This insightful work examines critical cosmopolitanism and its relevance today, addressing eurocentrism and the importance of inter-cultural dialogue.

In A Post-Western Account of Critical Cosmopolitan Social Theory, Michael Murphy presents a nuanced exploration of the intersections between critical theory, decolonial thought, and social theories inspired by Buddhist and Confucian philosophies. He argues that for cosmopolitanism to maintain its critical edge and relevance, it must evolve beyond grand narratives and instead embrace a process of critique and cooperation. This approach emphasizes the importance of inter-cultural exchanges, allowing for a richer understanding of our encounters with the Other, which can potentially rejuvenate global philosophical traditions.

The book delves into how the cosmopolitan imagination can be cultivated through dialogues that connect diverse relational sociologies around shared concerns. Murphy's methodological framework is applied to provide a radical perspective on existence and action within the world. Engaging with the works of prominent theorists such as Gerard Delanty and Walter Mignolo, along with insights from Watsuji Tetsurō, he shifts the focus from abstract ideals to real-world injustices and everyday experiences. This investigation reveals a source of political legitimacy that is independent of state rationality and Western ideals.

Additionally, Murphy introduces a post-individual understanding of agency, portraying it as an enactive process. By emphasizing becoming over static identity, he invites readers to reconsider the relationship between the self and democratic institutions. Central themes explored in A Post-Western Account of Critical Cosmopolitan Social Theory include eurocentrism, critical cosmopolitanism, post-individual subjectivity, and the dynamics of democracy.