What We Owe Each Other: The Ethics of Global Citizenship

CrashCourse

This educational video from Crash Course Political Theory explores the complex concept of cosmopolitanism—the idea of being a "citizen of the world." Using the 2015 refugee crisis in Sweden as a hook, the video traces the history of this philosophy from Ancient Greece (Diogenes) and China (Tianxia) to the Enlightenment ideas of Immanuel Kant. It examines the tension between our local obligations to neighbors versus our moral duties to humans across the globe. Key themes include the balance between national sovereignty and international human rights, the effectiveness and limitations of global organizations like the UN, and the philosophical concept of "unsocial sociability." The video also delves into modern applications, such as the debate over open borders, the ethics of globalization, and critiques regarding whether universal human rights are culturally biased. It highlights perspectives from diverse thinkers like Kwame Anthony Appiah and Peter Singer. This resource is highly valuable for High School Civics, Government, and Philosophy classrooms. It provides a structured framework for students to discuss current events like migration crises and international conflict. By connecting abstract theories to real-world examples (e.g., the UN Security Council's veto power, global supply chains), it helps students understand the practical challenges of achieving global justice and peace.