Phi Sigma Tau is the International Honor Society in Philosophy. Founded in 1930, the Society has a network of over 140 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
Phi Sigma Tau publishes a journal, Dialogue, containing student essays in all areas of contemporary philosophical research.
The goals of Phi Sigma Tau are:
- To serve as a means of awarding distinction to students with strong interest and ability in philosophy;
- To promote student interest in research and advanced study in this field, and to provide opportunities for the publication of student research papers of merit;
- To encourage the development of a community among those who are interested in philosophy;
- To encourage interest in philosophy among the general collegiate public.
The Washington University chapter (the Missouri Kappa chapter) was installed in the spring of 2000.
The local chapter of PST is not meant to replace or compete with the philosophy club, but to recognize the achievement of students who have done outstanding work both in their philosophy courses and in their other studies. A student need not be a philosophy major to join, but must have a distinguished academic record and be committed to the study of philosophy. Members of Phi Sigma Tau meet once each semester for dinner and conversation with a faculty member and often an invited guest.
Requirements for membership:
- sophomore, junior, or senior standing
- GPA of 3.5 or higher
- 12 units or more in philosophy (including 9 from upper level courses) with at least an A- average
- one-time fee of $25 (which also gives you a subscription to the journal Dialogue)
To apply for membership, send a note to that effect to the chapter advisor (listed below), with:
1. A copy of your internal record showing that you satisfy the requirements
2. A check for $ 25.00 made out to "Phi Sigma Tau" (for which you receive copies of the journal Dialogue throughout the remainder of your undergraduate study: available for pickup in the department)