ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the distinction between ethical and aesthetic cosmopolitanism as an important facet of contemporary cultural theory. It assesses its relevance for the interpretation of trends in contemporary global public culture, especially as expressed in key examples such as museums, exhibitions and major international festivals. The chapter discusses the notions of aesthetic, or cultural, public sphere as a concept that can help integrating rather than dichotomising the political and cultural dimensions of cosmopolitanism. The fate of the aesthetic dimension is revealing of a still dismissive stance, even after the 'cultural turn', towards cultural phenomena. This is particularly the case for certain cultural manifestations, whose contemporary development has prompted the introduction of expressions such as global culture and more global culture industry. For instance the globalisation of subculture and the creation of a global popular culture has been portrayed as increasingly displaying cosmopolitan identities.
