Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

83 | Kwame Anthony Appiah on Identity, Stories, and Cosmopolitanism

Feb 10, 2020

Kwame Anthony Appiah, a renowned philosopher and cultural theorist at NYU, dives deep into the intricacies of identity and cosmopolitanism. He discusses the balance between personal identities and global citizenship, questioning how societal factors shape our self-perception. Appiah reflects on cultural narratives, particularly their moral implications, and debates the politics surrounding race and ethnicity. He emphasizes the importance of dialogue in navigating identity issues and explores the challenges of cultural appropriation and social justice in modern society.

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ANECDOTE

Anansi and Br'er Rabbit

Kwame Anthony Appiah's mother, Peggy Appiah, collected Anansi the Spider stories from Ghana.
These were later adapted into Br'er Rabbit stories in the US.

INSIGHT

Stories Shape Identity

Stories shape cultural values and beliefs, influencing how people think and act.
They provide frameworks for understanding complex issues like marriage and property.

INSIGHT

Modern Identity

Identity is a post-WWII concept encompassing race, gender, nationality, and religion.
It involves labeling, personal meaning for those labeled, and how others treat them based on labels.

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Cosmopolitanism

Ethics in a World of Strangers

Kwame Anthony Appiah

In *Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers*, Kwame Anthony Appiah presents a moral manifesto that balances universal concern with respect for human difference. He argues that cosmopolitanism involves obligations to strangers and an appreciation for diverse practices and beliefs. The book critiques relativism and positivism, advocating for a cosmopolitan approach that fosters global understanding through conversation and mutual respect.

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Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter S. Thompson's works are characterized by a distinctive gonzo journalism style, blending subjective experience with factual reporting. His writing is known for its immersive, first-person narratives, often infused with humor, satire, and a strong sense of place. Thompson's works frequently explore themes of counterculture, politics, and the American Dream, often with a cynical and darkly comedic tone. His most famous works include "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Hell's Angels." Thompson's influence on journalism and literature is significant, inspiring generations of writers to embrace a more personal and subjective approach to storytelling.

Ivanhoe

Sir Walter Scott

Published in 1819, 'Ivanhoe' is a historical novel that takes place in England in the 1190s, after the Norman Conquest. The story revolves around Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight who returns from the Crusades to find his homeland under the corrupt rule of Prince John. Ivanhoe must navigate his forbidden love for Rowena, his father's ward, while also fighting against injustice and supporting King Richard the Lionheart. The novel includes elements of chivalric romance, medievalism, and the struggles between Normans and Saxons, as well as the persecution of Jews. It culminates in a trial by combat where Ivanhoe defends Rebecca, a Jewish woman accused of witchcraft, and ultimately leads to the reconciliation of Ivanhoe with his father and his marriage to Rowena[1][3][5].

The subjection of women

John Stuart Mill

Published in 1869, 'The Subjection of Women' is an essay by John Stuart Mill that argues against the social and legal inequalities faced by women. Mill contends that the inferior status of women is not based on natural differences but rather on social customs and historical power dynamics. He compares the status of women to that of slaves, highlighting the lack of legal rights, including property ownership and suffrage. Mill advocates for women's education, employment opportunities, and the reform of marriage laws to achieve greater equality. The essay, influenced significantly by his wife Harriet Taylor Mill, was a groundbreaking call for gender equality and had a significant impact on the women's rights movement despite facing criticism and controversy at the time of its publication[1][5][4].

Essays

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Michel de Montaigne

Montaigne's *Essays* are a seminal work that introduced the essay as a literary form. The book is a personal and introspective exploration of various subjects, including the human condition, skepticism, and the importance of concrete experience over abstract learning. Montaigne's skepticism is reflected in the title *Essais*, meaning 'Attempts' or 'Tests', indicating a project of trial and error and tentative exploration. The essays cover topics such as the education of children, the role of the body, illness, aging, and death. Montaigne's writing style is characterized by multiple digressions, anecdotes from ancient and contemporary sources, and quotations that reinforce his critical analysis of reality[2][5][4].

On liberty

John Stuart Mill

Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation[2][3][5].

1984

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George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

A Vindication of the rights of woman

Mary Wollstonecraft

Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me)

Carol Tavris

Elliot Aronson

This book by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson delves into the psychological mechanisms behind self-justification, using anecdotal, historical, and scientific evidence. It explains how cognitive dissonance leads people to create fictions that absolve them of responsibility, restoring their belief in their own morality and intelligence. The authors discuss various examples, including political decisions, marital conflicts, and medical errors, to illustrate how self-justification can lead to harmful consequences. The updated edition includes new examples and an extended discussion on how to live with dissonance, learn from it, and potentially forgive oneself.

American Gods

Neil Gaiman

American Gods is a kaleidoscopic journey deep into myth and across an American landscape that is both eerily familiar and utterly alien. The story follows Shadow Moon, an ex-con who, upon his release from prison, finds his world turned upside down. His wife has been killed, and he is offered a job by the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, who is actually the Norse god Odin. Shadow becomes entangled in a battle between the old gods of myth and folklore and the new gods of technology, media, and money. The novel is a blend of mystery, satire, sex, horror, and poetic prose, taking the reader on a road trip across America to encounter a variety of unusual characters and roadside attractions. It explores themes of cultural identity, the power of myths, and the changing values of American society[1][2][5].

Letters from an American

A Historian's Perspective of Today's Political Landscape

Heather Cox Richardson

In 'Letters from an American,' Heather Cox Richardson offers a historian's perspective on today's political landscape. She contextualizes current events within the broader framework of American history, eliminating noise and providing clear, fact-based summaries. The newsletter is known for its informative and hopeful tone, helping readers understand the historical roots of contemporary issues such as democracy, race, human rights, and equality under the law[3][4][5].

Trollope novels

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Anthony Trollope

Anthony Trollope's novels offer a detailed and realistic portrayal of Victorian society, particularly focusing on the lives and relationships of the middle and upper classes. His works are known for their intricate plots, well-developed characters, and insightful social commentary. Trollope's novels often explore themes of marriage, social status, ambition, and morality, reflecting the complexities of Victorian England. He masterfully depicts the social conventions and hierarchies of his time, providing a valuable historical record of the era. His writing style is characterized by its clarity, wit, and engaging narrative voice, making his novels both entertaining and thought-provoking.

the Waverley novels

Sir Walter Scott

Tales of an Ashanti father

Peggy Appiah

This book is a delightful collection of traditional tales from the Ashanti people of Ghana, with many stories featuring Kwaku Ananse, a trickster figure known for his cunning and wit. The tales include a mix of well-known and lesser-known stories, offering insights into Ashanti culture and traditions.

De Jure Maurorum in Europa

On the Law of Moors in Europe

Anton Wilhelm Amo

In this dissertation, Amo presents a legal argument that Africans who were vassals of Rome should have the same rights as Europeans and not be enslaved. His work is significant for its scholastic approach to challenging slavery in Europe during the 18th century.

Seven Brief Lessons on Physics

Carlo Rovelli

In this book, Carlo Rovelli condenses the key revelations of post-Newtonian physics into seven brief, accessible lessons. The book covers Einstein's theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, the architecture of the cosmos, particles, grains of space, probability, time, and black holes. Rovelli uses a literary approach to explain these complex concepts, making the book enjoyable and understandable for non-specialized readers. The book also explores the nature of time, the role of humans in the universe, and the interworking of the universe at both grand and minute scales.

Stephen King's Short Story Collections

Overview of Major Collections

Stephen King

Stephen King has published several notable short story collections, including *Night Shift*, *Different Seasons*, *Skeleton Crew*, *Nightmares & Dreamscapes*, *Hearts in Atlantis*, *Everything's Eventual*, and *The Bazaar of Bad Dreams*. These collections showcase his versatility in crafting stories that span from horror to drama, often exploring themes of ordinary life intersecting with the extraordinary.

The Lies That Bind

Rethinking Identity

Kwame Anthony Appiah

In *The Lies That Bind*, Kwame Anthony Appiah delves into the complexities of identity, examining how collective identities such as race, religion, and nationality are riddled with contradictions and falsehoods. He argues that while these identities can fuel atrocities, they also contribute to moral progress and significance in our lives. The book offers a clarifying theory of identity for the modern world.