Page:Philosophical Review Volume 18.djvu/62



HE first International Philosophical Congress was held at Paris during the Exposition summer of 1900, the second at Geneva in 1904. The third Congress met at Heidelberg, August 31-September 5, 1908, under the presidency of Professor Windelband, with Professor Elsenhans, Heidelberg, as Secretary, and an active and efficient Büro headed by Dr. A. Ruge. To the untiring efforts of these officers and to the hearty coöperation of the authorities of the university, the city, and the grand duchy of Baden, was due in large measure the success of the meeting. The inclement weather of the season on the Continent could not dampen the members' appreciation of the beauty of the historic town, nor their enjoyment of the various entertainments provided for their hours of leisure. In the University we felt at home not only as university men ourselves, but because of the interest taken in our work, and the philosophical atmosphere, in the largest sense of the term, by which we found ourselves surrounded. The civil authorities of the town and country welcomed us with cordial words and with material favors. For nearly a week the members of the Congress wore in their badges the colors of Baden; our interest in the land and in the Ruperto-Carola will far outlast our temporary citizenship.

The attendance at the Congress included three hundred active members, besides many visitors and the considerable number of enrolled members who were hindered from being present. Apart from the content of particular papers, certain general features of the session were of interest. The temper of the work was positive. The apologetic note was heard much less than in many discussions of recent times. Philosophy seemed no longer on its defense. It was rather addressing itself to its task, and conscious