Sober Philosophy: Gratitude (Huyen presents, AZF)

GRATITUDE (AZF) Showing gratitude, when deemed appropriate, is widely regarded as a virtue. Conversely, failing to express it when expected is often considered rude. Someone who gives a gift or does a favor may feel slighted if the recipient doesn’t express gratitude, or doesn’t express that gratitude “sufficiently.” Does this reveal a potentially selfish element in an otherwise altruistic act? Is wanting acknowledgment compatible with acting selflessly? More broadly, why do we sometimes feel offended when social niceties are omitted, even when we believe the underlying sentiment (e.g. gratitude, goodwill) is genuine? What is the function of the outward expression, or social gesture? Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dGh6Rk87Zgo AMAZON FORMAT (AZF): We will begin the meeting by watching the video above on a laptop together. Symptom-free (of potentially contagious disease) people with the capacity to listen considerately to diverse viewpoints are invited to attend after successfully RSVPing. We begin the meeting at 7:30 pm sharp at the mezzanine above the lobby of the Graduate Hotel in the University District: 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. Directions for first-timers at the Graduate Hotel: From the front hotel entrance go to the right. Turn left around the corner to enter through the north valet entrance. If the valet questions you just say you're here for the philosophy group. Go straight to the main lobby and turn right behind the large bookshelves before the elevators. Enter the stairway on your left, go up one flight, and go through the first door you encounter to enter our meeting area. 2-MINUTE OPENING ROUNDTABLE FORMAT (2ORF): 1. The topic presenter begins the discussion by taking up to two minutes explaining why they are interested in the topic and some introductory thoughts on it. 2. Each participant in turn going clockwise from the presenter has up to two…