58th Resolution

Resolution of Gratitude

The Virginia Philosophical Association, assembled on the campus of the University of Virginia on October 24 and 25, 1997, for its 58th annual meeting, unanimously and enthusiastically endorses the following resolution, and directs the secretary to dispatch it promptly to the University through its Dean of Arts and Sciences, Professor Melvyn Leffler, and its chair of the Philosophy Department, Professor Dan Devereaux.

Whereas, the superb quality and extent of the hospitality extended to us has been so ontologically overpowering that the only possible natural response is the epistemic certainty of heartfelt appreciation and gratitude, and

Whereas, it is only just that the Virginia Philosophical Association express and proclaim the harmony of soul that is realized, without pain or anything resembling punishment, in its deep experience of gratitude, and

Whereas, the refreshments were generous--as Mr. Jefferson said, a people without wine would turn to rum--and the dinner under Mr. Jefferson's dome was superb (and the far expeditions to the restrooms were useful exercises), and

Whereas, in spite of being informed that in the postmoderm era a consensus is always the result of violence, there is consensus among the members of the VPA that a worthwhile time was had by all, and this consensus was reached without a hand being raised, and

Whereas, all members of the VPA--adults, children, and animals- are responsible for this resolution and voluntarily adopt it, and

Whereas, both Kant and Newton would agree that the action of such hospitality must result in the reaction of expressed gratitude,

Be it therefore resolved that the VPA expresses its appreciation to the University of Virginia and the faculty of the Department of Philosophy for their generous hospitality in hosting the Association's 58th annual meeting.