Phi Sigma Tau (, or PST) is an international honor society for philosophers. In addition to providing a means of awarding distinction to students with high scholarship and interest in philosophy, Phi Sigma Tau also promotes interest in philosophy among the general collegiate public. There are currently 200 active chapters in the U.S. and Canada, with 31301 members.
History
The society was founded in 1930 at Muhlenberg College as Alpha Kappa Alpha, with a regional organization with chapters in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Since 1955, the society has published a biannual philosophy journal called Dialogue, which publishes articles from the entire field of philosophy, regardless of whether the contributor is a member of Phi Sigma Tau. In 2011, it had 238 active chapters, 1,193 current members, and 35,658 lifetime members. Its colors are white and purple. Its graduating members may wear white and purple honor cords.
Chapters
Membership
The current membership requirements are variable from chapter to chapter, but in general, undergraduate students are eligible for active membership if they have completed two semesters of college, rank in the upper 35% of their class, and have completed at least two-semester courses in philosophy with an average overall grade which is greater than the second highest grade of the working scale. The society also inducts graduate students, professors, and non-affiliated personnel.