Abstract

The text describes the relationship between the three concepts – Philosophy of Difference, Hypermodernity, and the City of “Happiness“. Starting from the notion of city as space, the autor considers how knowledge economy, information and virtual reality shape our perceptions of, and insights into, the meaning of life. Cities are spaces of “cultures“ and culture in plural means difference. Identities are constructed within cultural boundaries. Processes of differentiation in constructing identities require a kind of philosophy of difference, as we live in a hypermodern urban space. It is spoken in detail about 21st century urban space as more and more multicultural, multiethnic and multireligious. In such an urban environment, identity constructions need a certain philosophy. This philosophy can only be a philosophy of difference. Difference and diferance here points at the idea of living together with “others“ who are different than us in culture, worldview and religion. The author comes to the conclusion that our biggest challenge in cities is to make our cities centres of wisdom and happiness through education and moral decision-making processes based on a philosophy of difference and reflexivity.