The foundation upon which this discussion is based is the basic nature of democracy as both a political and moral ideal. Democracy can be understood as a system of rights premised upon the logic of equality. At its core is a fundamental belief in moral equality, a belief that all human beings possess an equal inherent dignity or worth. The ideal of human dignity upon which democracy is based is reflected in the principle of moral equality common to all modern political and ethical theories. Every shared humanity carries with it a moral imperative to respect the dignity of every human life. This imperative is grounded in the customs and principles of democratic societies and the transnational human rights regime. The approach suggested in this paper focuses on the development of "capacities" as a necessary complement to understanding. The basic feature of the moral capacities identified in this paper is their "dialogical" nature. The core of morality is reciprocity. Implicit in the rights/duties moral conception is "reciprocity." In this paper, the author identifies two basic moral capacities that enhance the ability to morally respond to others. While a rational understanding of the principles of ethics and human rights is essential, the development and actualization of particular moral capacities is necessary for respect and care in the human community. It is these capacities that should constitute, in part, the basic goals of a cosmopolitan democratic education. (Contains 31 notes.)