Appiah’s personal history figures prominently in the book. Discuss the role his family and his upbringing plays in his argument.

Although he is a philosopher by training, Appiah brings in examples from a wide range of disciplines to support his claims, including cultural anthropology and literature. Discuss some of these examples. How does he employ them, and what impact do they have on his argument?

Appiah views conversation both literally and metaphorically in global society. Describe several specific locations or venues through which Appiah might view conversation as occurring in the world now. Who is participating in these conversations? How are the aims of conversation, as discussed in the text, being achieved?