[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF WORLD PHILOSOPHY DAY 2008

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                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware-

                    in the house of representatives

                       Sunday, September 28, 2008

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize World Philosophy Day 2008, sponsored by the 
Philosophy Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and 
Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This year, World Philosophy Day will 
take place on November 20. On this occasion, numerous events to 
recognize this day occur in many UNESCO member states, and Delaware is 
privileged to join with these organizations and schools in doing so.
   It is especially fitting that World Philosophy Day be recognized and 
celebrated in the United States, as it has been since 2002. The United 
States is perhaps unique in the world as a nation founded on the ideas 
of liberty, equality, and democracy. Thomas Jefferson, in drafting our 
``Declaration of Independence'', drew heavily from the writings of 
British Philosopher John Locke. Likewise, the framers of the United 
States Constitution were greatly influenced by the French Philosophers 
Voltaire, Jean Jacques Rousseau and Baron de Montesquieu, the latter 
shaping the American understanding of separation of governmental 
powers. Philosophy continues to play a profound role in the development 
of American thought in many areas, including public policy, religion, 
the sciences, and jurisprudence.
   It is also especially fitting that World Philosophy Day be 
recognized and celebrated in Delaware. The American Philosophical 
Association (APA), founded in 1901, is headquartered at the University 
of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. The APA is the largest philosophical 
society in the world, with over 11,000 members. According to its 
mission, this long-standing organization focuses on promoting 
philosophical research and scholarly endeavors, improving the quality 
of philosophical education in American schools and universities, and 
working to better equip American students to face the challenges of our 
rapidly changing and greatly diversified world.
   Once again, I am pleased to stand to recognize World Philosophy Day 
2008. The critical and analytical skills that remain at the core of 
philosophy are increasingly vital to education in our State of 
Delaware, our nation, and our world. For this reason it is particularly 
appropriate to join with UNESCO in setting aside November 20 to 
celebrate the ancient yet always relevant discipline of philosophy.




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