Identity and Belonging in Modern Society

This chapter examines the tension between individual identity and the philosophy of cosmopolitanism, arguing that the latter undermines essential human desires for belonging and a sense of home. It discusses the rise of nationalism as a response to this need for connection to roots and the dangers of losing established cultural institutions. The speakers advocate for the preservation of cultural particularities against universalizing ideologies, emphasizing the importance of historical traditions in nurturing a healthy society.