An Introduction by Dr. Richard Shusterman

In this opening episode of Cosmopolitan Currents, philosopher and cultural theorist Dr. Richard Shusterman, founder of The Center for Cosmopolitan Culture, offers a brief but powerful reflection on the mission that guides this podcast and the organization behind it.

Drawing from his decades of work intercultural philosophy, somaesthetics, and the ethics of embodiment, Dr. Shusterman frames the urgent need for cosmopolitan dialogue in a time of rising nationalist tensions, cultural fragmentation, and ideological polarization. Through culture—understood in its richest sense, encompassing philosophy, history, art, literature, education, and everyday life—he invites us to imagine a more open, inclusive, and thoughtful global community.

This episode introduces listeners to t ...