As students, we are constantly bombarded with opportunities to join various societies and organizations. However, the question remains: is it worth it? Specifically, is it worth the financial cost of joining Phi Sigma Tau, a society dedicated to promoting philosophy and philosophical inquiry?
First, let’s examine the cost of membership. According to their website, the annual membership fee is $40. While this may not seem like a significant amount, it can add up over the course of a student’s academic career. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with attending events or conferences hosted by the society.
Now, let’s consider the requirements for membership. To be eligible, students must have completed at least two philosophy courses, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in those courses, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. While these requirements may seem reasonable, they may exclude students who are interested in philosophy but do not meet the GPA criteria.
So, what are the benefits of joining Phi Sigma Tau? According to their website, members have access to a network of fellow philosophers, opportunities to present their work at conferences, and the chance to publish in the society’s journal. These benefits may be valuable for students who are pursuing a career in philosophy or who are passionate about the subject.
However, it is important to address the potential issues of systemic bias and social injustice that Phi Sigma Tau has demonstrated. As noted in the prompt, the society is not currently certified as an Inclusive Honor Society. This means that they have not met the standards set forth by the Honor Society Foundation for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This is a significant concern, as philosophy has a long history of excluding marginalized voices and perspectives. By not actively working to promote inclusivity, Phi Sigma Tau may be perpetuating this exclusionary culture.
So, is Phi Sigma Tau worth it? Ultimately, the answer depends on the individual student’s goals and values. If they are passionate about philosophy and believe that the benefits of membership outweigh the financial cost and potential issues of bias, then it may be worth it for them. However, it is important to be aware of the society’s shortcomings and to actively work towards promoting inclusivity within the field of philosophy.
Still want to learn more a Phi Sigma Tau? More good resources to look at include the Phi Sigma Tau Inclusivity Report and Phi Sigma Tau requirements and historical overview.
Want to learn about other honor societies? Visit our honor society overview.