Constitution

Adopted in 1950

1. Name. The Mississippi Philosophy Association [amended to “Mississippi Philosophical

Association” in 1990].

2. Purpose. The purpose of the MPA shall be to increase the understanding and appreciation of

philosophy; to encourage research and advance the standards and ideals of the teaching of

philosophy; and to cultivate an interest in and study of philosophy in the Mississippi institutions of

higher learning through the exchange of ideas and the discussion of common problems.

3. Membership. Membership shall be elective as set forth in the by-laws of this association. [See

note in By-Laws]

4. Dues. The dues shall be fixed by a majority vote of the active members present in regular

meeting.

5. Officers. The Officers shall be President, Vice-president, and Secretary-treasurer. Nomination,

election, duties, and terms of these officers shall be stated in the by-laws. The officers shall serve as

the executive board of the association.

6. Meetings. MPA shall meet annually, some time during the meeting of MEA, in Jackson. [The

relationship with the Mississippi Education Association was severed around 1967.]

7. Amendments. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of active members

present at any regular meeting, provided that notification shall be made at the previous annual

meeting, or in writing at least four weeks prior to such regular meeting.

1. Membership. There shall be two classes of membership, active and associate. Active membership

shall consist of three classes: (1) Those who have a formal education in philosophy. (2) College

administrators and teachers of philosophy. (3) Anyone who submits a paper which shall demonstrate

his [or her] insight into philosophy and his [or her] commitment to the laws of evidence. The

Executive Board shall determine whether or not a candidate has met any of these requirements and

recommend his [or her] election.

Associate membership shall be open to all who are interested in philosophy, whether connected

with academic work or not. All membership shall be upon nomination by active members,

approval of the Executive Board, and election by a majority vote of the members present at

regular meeting.

[Since at least 1987 there have not been formal nominations or elections of either type of

member.]

2. Officers. The officers of the association shall be elected by ballot at the regular annual meeting

upon nomination of a committee appointed by the president. Further nominations may be made from

the floor. Election may be by acclamation in case there is only one nomination. The officers shall

have the usual duties associated with those offices. In addition, the Vice-president shall be chairman

[i.e. chairperson] of the Program Committee, which he [or she] may appoint.

3. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of the active members present at any regular meeting.

4. Dues. Dues shall be two dollars per year for both active and associate members [raised to five

dollars in 1967 and ten dollars in 1983]. Dues shall be paid to the Secretary-treasurer.

–edited and posted May 6, 2005 by Steven G. Smith (Secretary-Treasurer 1987-2007)