Government

The National Officers consist of President, Vice-President, and Executive Secretary. The PST Executive Council consists of these three National Officers, plus four Area Council Representatives, one of whom is also the Editor for Dialogue.

Chapter Organization

Local chapters retain a high degree of autonomy and are often associated with philosophy clubs on their college campuses. Chapter membership is open to qualified graduate and undergraduate students, teachers of philosophy, and those who qualify as honorary chapter members. At the national level the Society has also established a Laureate Chapter (whose members are distinguished philosophers throughout the world), and a National Alumni Chapter (for graduated PST members who wish to continue their affiliation with the Society).

Publications

Beginning in 1930, annual meetings were held at which student papers were read and discussed, then published in an annual volume entitled Philosophy. Since 1956, the Society has published twice yearly an official journal, Dialogue, publication in which is open to all students in philosophy. Dialogue appears in October and April of each academic year. The 2022-23 academic year marked the appearance of Volume 65. The PST Newsletter, which appears two or three times yearly, had its 170th issue in 2023.

International Office

The headquarters were originally at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., moved in 1959 to Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, in 1970 to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in 2005 to Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Expending of Fees

Phi Sigma Tau has no paid officers or staff, and all persons at the national and international levels work on a volunteer basis. The Society's annual budget (currently about $30,000) is derived from initiation fees, subscription fees, and alumni/ae fees and contributions. About 90% of the national budget is expended on publications and supplies provided to members through their local chapters without further charge. The first year of membership in the National Alumni Chapter following graduation is at no cost to the member and includes subscriptions to all PST publications (including the NAC Bulletin): after the first year, NAC members are required to pay a small membership fee (currently $5.00) to defray costs of printing and mailing.

 

Phi Sigma Tau, as a society which recognizes academic excellence in the study of philosophy, stands against systemic discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.