Cosmopolitan Friendship Online

This paper develops a normative ideal of cosmopolitan friendship online. We first provide theoretical and historical background. Next, we articulate and defend cosmopolitanism as an important aspect of moral identity in a networked world. We then argue that developing a cosmopolitan character requires friendships that cross barriers, thereby forcing reconsideration of prejudices. The Internet provides ample opportunity to cultivate such friendships, but their development will most often require more than mere opportunity. Structured and self-conscious uses of the Internet, however, can foster cosmopolitan friendship. We conclude by placing the ideal of cosmopolitan friendship online in the context of stoicism.