Radical Generosity: Resisting Xenophobia, Considering Cosmopolitanism [Hardcover]

In this bold and original work, Ali Kashani argues that the rise of the far right political

discourse, xenophobia, and the current immigration and refugee crisis indicate that

existing values, norms, and practices are inadequate. Thus, it is vital to critique and

resist existing values and norms that produce ultra-nationalistic and xenophobic

practices. Thus, radical generosity is crucial and necessary. The concept of radical

generosity opens the possibility for the transformation of ethical and political practices

and a move toward cosmopolitanism.



Kashani develops the concept of radical generosity as a social and political practice

and as an original grounding for cosmopolitanism, as both an ethical and political

transformative practice-and as a critique to resist the rise of the far right political

discourse and xenophobia. Radical Generosity suggests, a new way to bridge

ethical and political practices and moves beyond ethical subjectivity by Derrida and

Levinas and draws inspiration from the Stoics, Aristotles virtue ethics , radicalized by

Nietzsches concept of magnanimity with anarchist tendencies,and Marxs idea of

praxis as social transformative practice.

Ali Kashani teaches philosophy and political theory at San Francisco State University.Going beyond mainstream arguments for cosmopolitanism, Kashani blends insights from the Aristotelian/Stoic philosophy of self-realization with a post-metaphysical ethics of self-overcoming to re-found cosmopolitan praxis on a thoroughly original conception of magnanimity. Clearly written and scholarly. This important study is imperative reading for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of ancient and modern cosmopolitanism. David Ingram, Loyola University, Chicago

Chapter One: Radical Generosity and the Origins of Cosmopolitanism

Chapter Two: Radical Generosity as Uncolƒ4