ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at present concepts of cosmopolitan business ethics on the basis of the presentation of the theories of business ethics, and it discusses the historical foundations of cosmopolitanism. It defines cosmopolitanism from its historical origins to the present day. The chapter argues that even though cosmopolitanism is a part of the European project, little has been done to integrate and develop Europe in cosmopolitan terms. Cosmopolitan business ethics implies the capacity of the business corporation to think and argue for cosmopolitan reason and engagement in society. The chapter argues that the Stoic vision of cosmo-polis was fundamentally inspired by the philosophy of Socrates, who conceived the philosopher as in tension and beyond the nation state. The Stoic conception of cosmo-polis was present all through the development of this philosophy, culminating with the works of Seneca and Cicero.
