Philippine E-Journals

Developing a Cosmopolitan Consciousness in a Catholic University: A Possible or Impossible Task?

Dominador Bombongan Jr.

Discipline: Social Science

 

Abstract:

This essay affirms several things. On the one hand, it argues that cosmopolitanism, that is, a praxis of openness and a willingness to engage with the "other" for the flourishing of the humanum, takes up, engages and addresses brewing issues spawned by the globalization process. On the other hand, it also maintains that a Catholic university has a crucial role both in the cultivation and the promotion of cosmopolitan ideals. Furthermore, the article also contends that this decisive role that a Catholic university plays in the development of cosmopolitan consciousness emanates from the very "catholic" character of a university. Here being "catholic" entails being inclusive and being open to the "other" whether these may be different cultures, rationalities, religions, peoples, etc.