Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: In a series of articles written in the post-1989 period, Habernas has argued that the challenges posed by the catastrophes of the twentieth century, the violence of nationalism and the social consequences of globalisation, have given new impetus to the idea of cosmopolitan justice first expressed by Kant. Habermas affirms that, if we are to grapple with the complexities of present-day problems, we should take up the challenge to 'think with Kant against Kant' in reconstructing the cosmopolitan idea. What follows in this paper is a critical assessment of Habermas' response to this challenge. We focus on the dilemmas he faces in reconciling cosmopolitanism with the ideas of constitutional patriotism and deliberative democracy he developed within a national framework.